What are the signs that you husband is becoming an alcoholic??!!?

Question

He drank casually before we were married because of the lack of funds. I was fine with that.  Now that we are married, and there is more money for the alcohol, he drinks EVERYDAY!  I told him that socially it's ok, but not to forget that his father was a heavy drinker, and died because of it.  I warned him that it's in his genes and he should be careful.  He told me that as long as his isn't slurring his words, wetting himself, or falling out, I shouldn't worry.  I notice that he seems happier and content if he's drinking. I now even smell it on him, and over time, that's all I'll smell!! He doesn't just have one or two drinks, he drinks a pint, sometimes a liter each day.  It really troubles me, and I refuse to live with an alcoholic.  We've been married only six months-help!

Jas B · Accepted Answer

The experts say that for health reasons men they should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week.  A pint of beer is 2 units.

The more you drink above these limits, the greater the risk of developing serious problems such as: liver disease (cirrhosis or hepatitis); stomach and pancreas disorders; depression; anxiety; sexual difficulties; muscle and heart muscle disease; high blood pressure; damage to nervous tissue; serious accidents; some cancers; obesity 

Many people who drink heavily are not 'addicted' to alcohol, and are not 'alcoholics'. To stop or reduce alcohol would not be a problem if there was the will to do so. However, for various reasons, many people get into a habit of drinking regularly and heavily. 

If you are 'alcohol dependent' you have a strong desire for alcohol and have great difficulty in controlling your drinking. In addition, your body is used to lots of alcohol. Therefore, you may develop withdrawal symptoms 3-8 hours after your last drink as the effect of the alcohol wears off. So, even if you want to stop drinking, it is often difficult because of withdrawal symptoms. 

You are correct that he is more likely to develop into a heavy drinker or even an acoholic if his father had a drink problem.

Withdrawal symptoms include: feeling sick, trembling, sweating, craving for alcohol, and feeling unwell. As a result, you may drink regularly to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

The severity of dependence can vary. It can develop gradually and become more severe. He may be developing alcohol dependence if he:

needs a drink every day 
drinks alone often 
needs a drink to stop trembling (the shakes) 
drink early, or first thing in the morning (to avoid withdrawal symptoms) 
often have a strong desire to drink alcohol  

I would add up the amount or units your husband drinks in a week and if you find this is above the safe limit then try to get him to agree to reduce the amount he drinks to a safe limit if he is unwilling or unable to do this for the sake of his health and you I would say you have a serious problem developing, which in the end only he can change.

Good luck.

prent · Answer

Signs Alcoholic Husband

Anonymous · Answer

Being a drunk myself at one time. The person that's drinking has to want to quit. There is nothing you can say or do for him. You cant take him to AA he has to want to go. So do the smart thing and learn some tough love either its the bottle or you. If he will not stop or get help you can go home and leave him to his bottle and start divorcing. Because we don't quit until we have hit rock bottom and we will take anyone with us. I am sorry to tell you this but I would rather be honest than et back and say it will be ok. I hope he quits for your sakes

curious elder · Answer

In my experience, it was the change in personality that finally made me realize there was a problem. He was able to accomplish so much when he was sober. He was kind and decent and polite. Although he was never physically abusive when drunk, he could be verbally hurtful. And of course it got worse over the years. Get out before you have kids.

? · Answer

Guess what- you are living with an alcoholic.  If he refuses to get help or acknowledge the problem then you have to decide if you want to stay in this relationship or not. The ball is in your court. Good luck.

WE · Answer

Immediately start taking him, talk to him first of course, to AA meetings. There he can see how alcohol has ruined the lives of others while they were drinking by listening to their stories.

**PYT** · Answer

I think he is on his way to becoming an alcoholic.  When you begin to smell it on him that's not a good sign. Because he will start to rebel and not acting like himself.  You need to talk to him and let him know how you feel about it.

mark D · Answer

A pint or a litre is nothing unless your talking about spirits. Leave the man alone or you'll drive him to drink.

windmill ever · Answer

first of all...

there is such a thing as a functioning alcoholic. Ive met several at my moms AA meetings...

second...yes he has a 50 %  chance if his father was one.

Third...alchoholics LOVE to deny there disease...thats why the first step is admitting your one.

fourth...go to ala-non meetings. They are for family members dealing with this and they will help you.

Ria S · Answer

hes an alcoholic if he needs to drink everyday that's the sign right there hes dependent

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What are the signs that you husband is becoming an alcoholic??!!?

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