My Husband Drinking

[naralle]

Hi my husband has been drinking for many years and it's getting worse. He's not abusive but he does have depression and anxiety and does take medication for both.  He know his not meant to drink whilst on medication but yea. 

I'm at a loss of what to do I've got major Depression OCD and anxiety and two prolapse disc's in my lower back akong with sciatica and arthritis and I'm barely coping my self. 

• What do I do because I love him so much and I don't want to leave him I'm just at a loss 😞 I know there is help out there and so does he but he refuses to take help. 

[Psychdiaries2]

Hi there Narelle, 

I'm sorry to hear about the tough time you and your husband are going through today. Thanks for trusting this community with your post, I'm sure you'll get many different perspectives. 

You sound like a very caring, loving person who wants the best for your husband and is concerned with his coping abilities. It's so hard trying to help someone who doesn't want to help themselves. I believe that you can't 

change a person, it's up to them to realise and improve on their own. Of course, you can encourage and support them along the way, but ultimately it's their decision and responsibility. Keep that in mind as you navigate this situation.

May I ask if he speaks to you about his struggles much? Does he realise it's an issue that is affecting not only you guys individually, but also your relationship? 

I'm going to leave the number for the National Alcohol and Other Drug line in case it is a service you guys want to access: 1800 250 015. This line isn't just for those struggling with addiction, but also those who are supporting someone who is struggling, so I suggest giving them a call anyway and seeing how they can help you to continue to support him and also take care of yourself. Here is some good info on this topic from Lifeline if you want to read more: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/support-toolkit/topics/substance-misuse#for-friends-and-family-...

Lastly, I encourage you to also take care of yourself during this time, because your mental health matters too. Be kind to yourself, it's not up to you to bear this all alone. I hope you get enough sleep and connect with others today. You are welcome to reply anytime, we are here for you

[krf2813]

People with addictions often gravitate towards substances to help them cope with something. If the medications he is currently on for depression / anxiety aren't effective, has he tried getting his GP to alter the dosages or trying another medication combo? 

Is he currently in treatment / seeing a psychologist regularly / has a care plan? 

If not, does he WANT to? 

If the medication itself isn't the issue and it's moreso that the drinking has become a habit now, what is an activity that he can do to replace the alcohol consumption? 

Like others have said, it is unfortunately up to THEM to decide to make the changes. And while you can help them with seeking out options, THEY are the ones that need to commit to seeing things through and doing the work. 

Look after yourself as well, as this is clearly weighing heavily on your mind as well. So make sure you are also seeking out the relevent support for yourself. ❤️