Living with an alcoholic

[trouble6059]

I have been living with a alcoholic for 32 years and left him in Oct 07 and moved 2000 miles away to start over again. He is in a detox center this week and is going into a 6 mth rehab after detox. This is the thrid time we have done the treatment centers and it will last a few yrs and the roller coaster starts again. I need to know is there really any why for him to stay sober? I know there is no cure but is there a real way to stay sober? In the past 2 years I have had alot of family issuse with my childern mother and sisters. I feel like the whole world is on my shoulders and I need a shoulder to help support my needs. I feel quilty for leaving my husband I love him, I just need to find a way for him to help himself. If any one can help with suggestions and or treatment solutions I would appreciate the info.

[boogieman]

hi there. you hit on a key issue. treatment centers and detoxes are only the beginning. they simply give us the tools to deal with life on life's terms in the real world. continued, quality sobriety is a matter of making choices and taking action on a daily basis. aa for him and al-anon for you are the best available resources. drinking is only a symptom of the problem. if you take away the booze and don't treat the underlying condition, a return to drinking is practically guaranteed. you're right, there is no cure, but the principles found in the twelve steps of aa, when applied, can arrest the disease. it just goes into remission, and one drink will awaken it. hope this helps and keep posting. take care, gm