Dealing with Chronic Alcoholism: A Relatable Struggle
Many of us are familiar with the heartache and frustration that comes with dealing with a partner’s alcohol addiction. Recent conversations with a girlfriend of a friend and my own experiences have shed light on this complex issue. Here, I aim to understand and explore the challenges faced by one woman whose husband is grappling with chronic alcoholism, drawing parallels from personal stories to offer insights.
The Challenge of Chronic Alcoholism
You are facing a deeply challenging situation with your husband, as you discovered he drinks to the point of falling down after being together since high school and being 33 years old. It's a learned and ingrained behavior that has become chronic, significantly impacting both his health and your relationship.
The reality is, you can't convince an alcoholic they need help until their brain acknowledges the problem. Unfortunately, for many alcoholics, this day never comes. This is not a new behavior; it's a learned behavior that has become chronic and is deeply debilitating. However, the question remains, what should you do?
(Reliable Source: Healthline)
Understanding Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a disease characterized by a chronic inability to control alcohol consumption. Much like an addiction to heroin, alcohol ingestion chemically alters brain function, making it highly difficult for the individual to stop drinking. Drunks often do not recognize their problem or seek help until it is forced upon them.
My father’s experience with alcoholism serves as a stark example. His addiction was not only physically abusive but also emotionally and psychologically damaging. It left a long-lasting impact on my life, which only ended with his untimely death from cancer. (Reliable Source: WebMD)
Why It’s Difficult to Change
Currently, you and your husband have already had two decades of alcohol abuse, making it highly unlikely that his behavior will change any time soon. This leaves you with a critical decision: do you want to continue this relationship hoping for change, or do you need to consider moving on?
With a partner who attends multiple pubs every night, spends 100 a night and comes home intoxicated, and now has a job that invites more drinking, it's clear that current methods of trying to change his behavior have been unsuccessful. You need to consider if you can continue to endure the daily toll this takes on your relationship. (Reliable Source: N?MSSv?righeter)
Understanding the Stages of Alcoholism
Recent experiences shared by another individual offer further insights into the stages and challenges of alcoholism. This person, who has been drinking for 20 years, talks about the brain’s chemical dependence on alcohol. They describe feeling a constant desire for more alcohol, indicating that the brain asks for more when alcohol is consumed.
This person quit cold turkey 50 days ago, recalling their previous drinking habits of consuming a whole bottle of whiskey daily. They attribute their lack of getting drunk to the second stage of alcoholism, where one still feels the effects but can operate relatively normally. They also mention recent health issues, such as vomiting blood and an intense craving for alcohol, and the danger of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening.
The stages of alcoholism can be highly dangerous. During alcohol withdrawal, delirium tremens (DTs) can start, characterized by severe symptoms like seeing hallucinations, panic attacks, and increased body temperature. These symptoms typically start 3-7 days after stopping drinking and can be extremely serious, often requiring medical intervention. (Reliable Source: NCBI)
What to Do When Someone Wishes to Quit
Proper advice when someone wants to quit alcohol is crucial. The first step is to stop drinking completely and seek medical help if needed. Walking in nature, taking showers in the evening, eating light food, and staying hydrated can help ease withdrawal symptoms. However, it is vital to avoid any type of alcohol for the first few weeks.
A proper plan involves a structured approach. Taking a 4-week vacation, resting for 2 weeks at home, and then quitting on the third week is often recommended. Consulting a doctor is advised, especially for those with a long history of alcohol consumption. Not tapering off gradually is recommended, as it can lead to delirium and potentially be life-threatening. (Reliable Source: Mayo Clinic)
Conclusion
Dealing with chronic alcoholism in a relationship can be incredibly challenging. It’s important to recognize that many situations might not change, and the decision to continue or move on is a deeply personal one. Understanding the stages and effects of alcoholism can provide insight and support in navigating this complex situation.