Drinking absolutely brought out my ex's psychotic side. Whether it was there all along and the alcohol released it or whether the alcohol caused it I don't know. But when drunk...which was most of the time, he could rationalize anything and it was never his fault. Somehow I was always to blame for whatever predicament he found himself in. It also brought out a lot of obsessive compulsive issues and fear/anxiety.

Absolutely. He's also a narcissist.

I don't know if they are psycopaths but they definitely have a mental disorder. I know mine is Dr Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. He can be the nicest, smartest, funniest guy when he is sober, but when is drunk he becomes an obsessive, mean, blaming, sex obsessed person. And then the day after, he is sad, depressed, regretful, and promises the world to you. They have a screw loose in there for sure.

Something I read somewhere.

"Alcoholics drink because they are mentally ill. and lack the physical ability to properly metabolize alcohol. Period."

Makes sense when you see those who have it all and continue to drink constantly. No ultimatums will work. Trying to help them is met with a battle.

I never liked the taste of alcohol so it really is hard to understand beer, wine, etc., being desirable.

Not a psychopath, but I definitely got a little freaked out when I learned about sociopaths. Eeeeek! My ex might be one. Here's an easy article from the Huffington Post if you want to see the characteristics.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/23/11-signs-dating-a-sociopath_n_3780417.html&ved=0ahUKEwj6--aAxMvJAhWLhoMKHXU6CgwQFggnMAI&usg=AFQjCNEuQbxW6EXVdOGktTi0LBFM_vPMAQ&sig2=0q47xPQk8gGOa0vmblKHNQ

I'm all freaked out now after reading that article. I feel as if I may be becoming a sociopath. :)

Because my husband is Good Time Charlie, everyone loves him. I am the evil one because I don't want to go to these parties. I am not a drinker or a night owl, and if we go to a social gathering we have to close the place down. This usually ends in a fight of some sort, and I am this big buzz killer. So, I don't want to be social.

Because I am embarrassed of my choice to stay in this relationship because I made a commitment before God, I do not want to share what is going on with me. I do not want people to share my story with others. I don't appear to have friends.

I am smart and charming, but because of appearance of anti-social behavior I appear to be fake.

These are three of the sociopath traits. I appear to meet other criteria as well, but I know that these traits are a product of what I have been through. They are not me really, but I am no longer the woman I was when we met. Scary to think I could be becoming a sociopath!

Interesting article! I have the book referenced - the Sociopath Next Door. Has anyone read it?

snowbody -- I don't think you are becoming a sociopath. I think you are reacting in a normal way to a difficult circumstance -- having a drunk for a husband.

My therapist said something that initially sounded hokey but now I believe to be true. She days, "it is normal to think you are crazy. It is the crazy ones who think nothing is wrong with them."

I read this and it does hit the nail on the head . It explained a lot of the ways he was acting.

Really good info . Thank you for sharing