Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

alcoholic?

Husband has had a rough year!  Lost both sisters to cancer-related conditions.  I've seen signs of depression building for the whole year.  He has complained of a myriad of physical, mental and emotional ailments throughout the past 12 months, went to the doctor for a variety of things.  He went from being a positive person with a lot of interests, to having a completely negative outlook on the world and his own life.  On top or maybe because of all the above, , in November he lost his job because he had more sick days than the company wanted.
  
Now that he has nothign to do he just sits at home.  He continued to complain of various physical ailments, progressed to blaming smoking, now he believes it's not smoking and he's an alcoholic.  He has always functioned in terms of going to work, etc.  Perhaps all the recent events and loss of job have now brought this to a critical point?

My questions are:
1.  how to help him, take him to his GP and lay it all out on the table?  He feels he needs to check into a treatment facility, is that necessary or even an option?
2.  he is not eating because he is nauseous/has no appetite, so he' pretty unsteady and can't leave the house to drive etc.
3.  not sure he is really ready to help himself yet,  What do I do?  do I buy him alcohol or refuse to do that? just go on with my life as normally as possible until he is ready to do something?
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
you are on a mostly pill related forum of this website, But many of us have cross addictions of whatever we can get to numb our pain/emotions.  You are more than welcome to chat here, and i'm sure most will tell you to find an alanon meeting (they vary with time of day and day of week as to who is there and dominates the perspective).  We will gladly support you here, yet know your hub has to make this choice, perhaps knowing you started attending al-anon will be that light he needs.    
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It sounds like my fiance.. he too is a daily drinker but it's escalating now because of depression and it goes from a couple of beers a day to 7 - 8 tall cans a night.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
He has been a daily drinker as long as I've known him, over 25 years.  But with the job loss and having all this time on his hands in the middle of winter, I think it has reached a critical point.

I want him to start with the GP becasue he also has high BP and wants to quit smoking.  And has had insomnia meds and anti-depression meds already prescribed.  It may be these things have also made matters worse.  So I am hoping that the GP may refer to a therapist in the same med group!  I also wonder if there is a medical connection due to the meds he is receiving, or if it truly is a depression situation brought to a head by all the trials he's had this year.  So I'm thinking it's best to eliminate any medical causes before starting on the mental health path.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What meds is he currently on? ALOT of the anti-depressants can actually cause more depression, anxiety, mood swings, etc... Also you walk a fine line with the purchasing of alcohol for him... I have lived with an alcoholic before, and I remember times she'd run out and all HELL broke loose! His stability right now seems very low... I would only buy it if you think he may get angry/violent/etc... until you see your GP.. And I would DEFINITELY talk to his GP about it. They can help if you got a good one!! Good luck and keep us all posted.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
How much and often is he drinking?

Would a therapist be a better option then a GP?  Is he willing to see a therapist?  Depression is a horrible debilitating problem.  My husband is recovering alcoholic who is bipolar and when he does not take his meds, life is horrible.  The person with the illness does not realize that they are hurting more then just themself.

It's hard to say if he is an alcoholic based of the information you give.  He obviously has something going on.  Do not buy him alcohol.  You can't stop him from buying it himself though.  You are not responsible for his behaviour.

I am sorry that you are in this situation.  It's a difficult one to be in.  Famiy counseling may be beneficial for both of you.

Good luck
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.