I've been doing a lot of working on myself and focusing on myself and generally trying to avoid my ABF when he's drunk and not react to the really dark or mean things he says sometimes.
And generally, things have been going better because of that. But it's meant that we don't really spend much time together. We're young, in our 20s, and we haven't been on a date in like 4 months.
He just keeps drinking more and more. He used to just drink heavily on Friday and Saturday night. In the past few months, he's started drinking right when he wakes up on Saturday. And then this past weekend we were at my parents' house and he still started drinking in the morning.
It's just so emotionally draining to deal with him when he's drinking. And although I've been doing better at avoiding it, I've realized that we never do anything fun or productive on the weekends because he's too drunk to do anything.
I love him so much. I know the reason he drinks is because he's depressed. He had a lot of unpleasant things happen to him when he was a kid, but refuses to deal with his demons or go to therapy. He knows he has a problem, but always gives me an excuse for why he's drinking, even though I've stopped asking for excuses.
And he just doesn't understand what I've had to put up with, or how hard it is to be with an A. Doesn't appreciate what I've sacrificed at all.
I just don't know where to go from here. I would love to support him if he was in recovery, but he doesn't seem to want that.
Run far far away from him, and the sooner the better. I've learned that the alcohol always wins, unless they take the steps to get help themselves. Sorry to sound harsh but trying to save you from waking up 20 years from now in an unbearable situation, possibly with kids in tow, and no option but to continue to stay and take his crap.
I spent the morning in court today (divorce). Loser showed up almost 2 hours late, he's been in detox and rehab but went right back to drinking. You are in your 20s and have your whole life ahead of you. Make it a good one and move onto a totally different type of guy - keep away from guys with past issues they can't get over and drink to forget (my AH is one) - you can't fix them and then they suck the life out of you.
Caitface I agree with newlife, RUN ! In an alcoholics mind .. When you ignore their drinking , you are condoning their drinking. It will only get worse. The first stage of their drinking we make excuses for them . There is no excuse ever ! Then we lie for them. You are too young to settle on a life like this. And I have learned no matter how much you love them, they will never love you back. Never ! They have to love themselves before they can love you . I will keep you in my thought and send you a very big hug.
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. At your age you should be out having fun and experiencing your life. Figuring out what you want in a relationship and what you don't. I want to tell you to run, but you will only do that if you're ready. It is possible to love him and leave. You sound just like me 20 years ago. If you stay , go in eyes open. Your life will not be easy. It will get harder as he gets older. You may have periods of sobriety with him, they don't usually last. I can tell you this, If I had a second chance I'd have walked away. Now, it's much more complicated. I've been where you are and do understand that even though you aren't married it's not an easy choice to walk away from someone you love. But please think about what you need, not what he needs while making your decision. Sending a hug and a prayer for your strength.
Please listen to the good advice from us woman who have been married to AHs for years. We were you once, so in love, wanting to be there, putting up with the disrespect and living in the place of hope..."if only he were in recovery." I'm glad you found this site. If you choose to stay, know you are in for more of the same and as time goes on it will only get worse. You can not save him, change him or make him go into recovery. He has learned booze is the way to cope with life. I know it's hard to leave, but you need to take a good hard honest look at your life, and what you want out of a relationship, and what you truly have with this man. There is no way around heart ache, but I can tell you 25 years later and 3 kids, I feel horrible and sad when I look back, that I wasted my and my kids happiness. Yes there have been good times, but I remind myself of all of the bad times. There have been more bad than good. If know what I'd do if I had to do it over again. I hope you get out for your sake. It takes courage and faith. "Fear will stop you, Courage will move you forward." Blessings and peace.
You need to leave him. I have been married for 39 years and over 25 years dealing with my AH husband. It doesn't get better only worse. There were lots of reasons not to leave like money, support and the kids. It's hard to believe all of my kids turned out great, but I hid a lot. It doesn't matter how much you love him, he's sorry and sometimes a good guy, your life will be a nightmare. Trust me!!!!!!
I am just now realizing what the strong women above are telling you. I am 20 years in with my AH with a child to consider. I saw the warning signs you describe above, but stayed, believed he would chose me. I was wrong. I love this man with everything I am, built a home and a life, and still he chooses alcohol. I don't believe in fairy tales, there are no white nights, and Prince charming does not exist, but there are good men out there. Men who will choose you, who will be a full partner to you. You are too young to choose this, go and find the life you want and deserve. Good luck to you, and I am glad you found this site. No matter your decision, you have support here.
He drinks because he is an alcoholic. Why are you with him? You might want to go to a counselor and figure out why you chose this relationship and why you are still in it.
I spent the morning in court today (divorce). Loser showed up almost 2 hours late, he's been in detox and rehab but went right back to drinking. You are in your 20s and have your whole life ahead of you. Make it a good one and move onto a totally different type of guy - keep away from guys with past issues they can't get over and drink to forget (my AH is one) - you can't fix them and then they suck the life out of you.