has anyone been effected by alcohol or drug abuse in there life?

Question

living with someone who is an addicted or friends with someone who are addicted with alcohol or drugs?

my hubby and I been together for 12 years and i didnt know anything about drug or alcohol abuse until we got together then in my eyes it was to late-..in the 12 years he was sober one year off and on he would go out then it was once aweek to missing weeks at a time six kids later and then he fell of a ladder a year ago was in I.C.U cracked his skull open stayed sober for amonth i found stepchat where you can talk to others get support and go to meeting alanon on line they also have AA.& NA meeting for those who are addicted my son got sick two years ago so with hubby's addiction and my son really sick five other children to worry about I lost me and I had no hope to i went there ..if your going through this also it wouldn't hurt to check it out it helps me cope thanks and Godbless

Answer 1

I married an alcoholic drug abuser, and when he didn't keep his promises to quit - after New Years, after his Birthday, after the Super Bowl, etc., and it was impacting me and our son's well-being, I had him move out. When he still didn't get the point to straighten up, I filed for divorce. And when it was clear that he was endangering our son, I took away visitation rights. He died of liver failure at 39 years of age, when our son was 7.

That was so difficult to go through. I loved him very much, and he really was a good person. But both his parents were alcoholics, and his childhood was a nightmare. Unfortunately, he was never able to see in himself what I saw in him. He couldn't even use his love for our son as motivation to get clean -- instead, he used his shame in not doing so as fuel to beat himself up more.

At the time of his death, there was a sense of relief for not having to look over my shoulder for fear that he'd try to take my son. But there was a lot of grief that he never knew how beautiful he was and that our son would never have the chance to know him. Of course, there was anger in there for the same reasons -- how could he do that to himself and to our baby!

And the most difficult part was trying to explain these things to a young child. He was 4 when we separated, 6 the last time he saw his dad, and 7 when his dad died. I was the bad guy in his mind, and he became violent towards me. I had to explain that his father had the choice to go to rehab in order to see him, but he never did it. Of course, he then questioned whether his dad loved him -- so I had to try to explain that the alcohol and drugs made it so he couldn't think straight even when he was "sober".

Then I had to explain that because his dad was an alcoholic, he could be one too. He has so many of his father's physical traits, I am afraid of that. He's now 15, and is exposed to alcohol and weed -- but so far he hasn't tried it. He actually tries to get his friends that do "party" to quit, because he sees how it already affects their lives in keeping them from doing sports and getting decent grades that could help them get into college.

He and I have a pretty good relationship, and I know most of what's going on with him; but I realize that even if he hasn't tried it yet, the day will come... I have to hope that I've instilled in him enough self-respect that it never goes too far.

Answer 2

I'm a recovering alcoholic, so yes, because I have to live with myself every day. It was no picnic, and it is still difficult, because I have racked up a bunch of problems-legal, financial, emotional, and in relationships and friendships. But I am getting help now.

Recovery is a long process. Alcoholism truly is an illness. It is chronic, debilitating, and doesn't clear up on its own without outside help. I'm thankful to be alive, but it's difficult. I also suffer from depression, which may have contributed to my drinking, or was caused by drinking.

I realize today that the number one thing I need to pay attention to is my recovery. We alcholics tend to be perfectionist, unrealistic, ambitious, etc. I had all kinds of wild crazy dreams of being someone great and famous and wonderful since I was a kid. I believe this is part of my illness, and is also a part of alcoholism. It was a nightmare, but the good news is that mental illness and addictions are treatable and manageable. It just turned out to be a lot more work than I thought it would be, but that's OK. I'm glad I realize it now. Living with my illness untreated was not easy either, in fact it sucked. But when you're in the middle of it, you don't see how bad it is - you think that this is how life is supposed to be, and that you can handle it on your own. (I'm speaking for myself, not trying to put words in other peoples' mouths). I have only been alcohol-free for two weeks now. But I am in a hospital day program, I'm taking medication, and I attend 12 step meetings twice a day. I am determined to get my life back. Good luck to anyone suffering from this, and also to the people whom they affect.

Jack

Answer 3

Alcohol is just as much a drug as caffeine. So it IS a drug and that IS a FACT not an OPINION. However people tend to use the term "Drugs and Alcohol" to try to distinguish legal drugs (like alcohol) and illegal drugs (such as weed). Personally it doesnt make sense to me either. Weed is considered a Class 1 drug which by govt standards means its more deadly that Crystal Meth (classified as a schedule 2 drug). But hey its the Govt and the people who buy there lies. F#$% logic right.

Answer 4

Yes.

My brother started out having a problem with alcohol. He got help for it, but the addiction again began with prescription drugs. After he received rehab the second time, he was good for several months before slipping.

My brother is now dead from his addictions. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him and blame myself for not doing more for him. I miss him more than I ever thought possible.

Answer 5

this question i had to answer. i have known alcoholism and addiction all my life. i am not sure why. I've heard several theories it depends who you ask. as for myself it's been one long battle. i now live with HIV,and yes i have regrets but what can i do? i live day to day and stay clean a bit at a time but for the most part why stop now. the damage is already done and there's no turning back. So chin up and keep going.

Answer 6

my dad was an alcoholic if u want to talk email me [e-mail]

Answer 7

Sorry, no