I’ve never talked about this here, and I don’t often talk about it in real life, but I think it’s important that people hear stories about alcoholism that have happy endings, so this seems like the right time to bring it up.
My husband’s an alcoholic. Three years ago (three years ago last Friday to be exact) he agreed to get help for his problem. And he’s been sober since that day.
Before that day, and during family sessions at rehab, I felt like we heard so many stories of addiction ruining people’s lives. And I know that it can. I’m not saying that alcoholism didn’t take a toll on our family or that it’s ever easy to deal with, but I’m very proud of my husband for the effort he’s made, and continues to make every day, to really live life with our family and without alcohol. This disease is not something that will ever go away, but it is possible to get through the worst of it as a family. There were times when I wasn’t certain that we could make it through, but I was never willing to give up. We made it through. We’re all stronger now. I believe he can and will stay sober for the rest of our lives. We’re happy.
I’m linking up with Yeah Write (and so annoyed with myself for missing last week because I had this post in mind but was hesitant to write it):
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I’m glad it worked out for you. My mother was alcoholic and drank herself into dementia’; now 76 in a nursing home. It was ugly and selfish and I hate her for it.
I’m so sorry you dealt with that your whole life. I feel very fortunate that my husband was able to get sober. And stay that way.
That is wonderful to know, that he’s 3 years sober and counting. Many more happy years ahead for you and your family!
Thanks, Alison – the future’s looking good.
Coolest family you’ll ever meet and bravest mother and wife ever too. My father was an addict and though we had tough times in our family my mom managed to keep it all together for us kids. Thanks for doing the same for your three, it may go unrecognized but you and Lee deserve a lot of credit for working hard to keep your family whole. Bravo!
Thank you so much, Alexia. It means a lot to me to hear something like this from someone who knows what it’s like.
I had no idea! Congrats to 3 years, that is truly remarkable. I have a good friend who went through this years and years ago and he now has a ministry/recovery program for people dealing with addiction. It’s so good to hear stories like this.
Thanks, Rach – we have a lot to celebrate
And the way I look at it sometimes, we wouldn’t have Brinky if we hadn’t been through all of that.
You should be happy
What an accomplishment for not only your husband but for your whole family. It just goes to show that with dedication, love and support, people can change.
So happy for all of you, truly.
Thanks, Kristen! I really appreciate it.
I think many more people struggle with this than we know.
15 months over here. Holla!
That’s AWESOME for you, Kristin! We’re not an AA family, but we were wondering last week if the official anniversary date should be the last day you drank or the first day you didn’t. But it doesn’t really matter which, just that we’ve made it. And you’re right – I think there are a lot of people who struggle with this without ever telling. It’s not exactly something you want to talk about every day, for so many reasons. Thanks for the support.
Yay! Congratulations to your hubby. Again, awesome.
Thanks, Greta!
I think that is wonderful! I am really happy for your family. It’s wonderful to hear a positive about something that so many people suffer from. I think you said something very important, ” I was never willing to give up”. I really think that is key. I am sure that your husband is very thankful to your support during the most difficult times.
Thanks, Laci.
Wow, good on you guys. Your husband is a strong man and a lot has to do with your love and support. Very inspiring!
Thank you, Stasha.
Three years! Time is tricky. The love your family shares is rare, beautiful, and inspirational. I’m honored to be close to you.
Thanks, Nicole. It’s one of those weird things where it feels like both more and less than 3 years.
I’m so glad to hear a hopeful story about recovery and survival! Three years is inspiring!
Thanks – I’m planning on a lot more years
Congratulations to your husband! My mom has been sober for 17 years–you don’t hear the success stories as often as the failures which are so popular in our culture, but it can be done. Keep the faith.
That’s so wonderful – 17 years is very inspiring!
I’m so glad you wrote about this. I’m new to yeahwrite, so I’m new to you.:) I’m so happy to hear it’s been 3 years and sober…that is a truly awesome thing. And neither of you giving up is so, so inspirational.Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you so much for reading!
Congratulations to your family! 3 years is a huge accomplishment. Continued good luck.
Thanks so much!
How very brave of you to share!!!!! Alcoholism runs in my family, but before it could have an affect on my dad, he was killed in the line of duty. I often wonder how powerful a role it would have played in his future had he not been killed.
Oh, that’s so sad, Kim. I’m sorry.
Congratulations to your family for your husband’s willingness to conquer his affliction. My father was an alcoholic until the day he died. Not fun growing up with that. A couple of my sisters have alcoholic husbands who have yet to acknowledge it and therefore blame them for the discomfort in their marriage. Bravo to you for speaking up about it!
I’m so sorry you had to deal with this in your life. It’s such a difficult thing. I feel fortunate that my daughters will grow up with good memories – that’s one of the ways we were able to convince him that a change was necessary.
Here is to many many more years ahead of you and your family!
Thanks – that’s my plan
Wonderful to hear he is 3 yrs sober. Glad you all found the strength to get thru what must have been a dark, difficult time in life.
Thank you so much.
I’m
)) for your family, particularly your children. Their future is much brighter now. I hope you are happy you shared this with us.
I am happy – I would have liked to hear this kind of story when we were struggling.
I think you’re incredibly brave for posting this! My dad was an alcoholic during parts of my childhood and even though he hasn’t had a drink in 24 years, I still remember what it was like when he came stumbling home drunk. I’m so glad your husband got help, what a wonderful gift to your children!
Thank you. I think my girls will probably always remember, but now they have a lot of good memories, too. And honestly, I hope what they remember of the bad helps them understand that alcoholism is a problem in our family, and they really shouldn’t assume they can drink without it leading to problems.
I’m so glad you wrote about this! It’s so great to hear about an alcoholic who got it under control and is doing right by his family. I hope others are inspired by your husband! Thank you for sharing this part of your story.
Thank you for reading!
this is amazing! Thank you for sharing. Our words can bring victories that staying silent never can. so happy for your family!
Very true, thanks.
Thank you for sharing your happiness. And what strength you must have as a family because you have weathered the storm. Ellen
Thank you. I truly think we’re much stronger now, and will get stronger still.
That is wonderful that he got help and your family is healing! Alcoholism is a hard road, and I’m so glad things are going well for you guys!
Thank you. It’s tough, but I’m very happy to be on this side of it.
So glad to read this and thank you for opening your life and sharing. To hear the “other” side of the story means (a whole, whole) lot. More than I could say. Thanks.
Oh, thank you so so much for commenting. I may be reading too much into your comment, but if you are on the other side (the bad side), please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to discuss more. Seriously.
so glad to hear he got help, accepted it, and triumphed!
Thank you – I’m glad, too
What a positive and uplifting post! We so rarely get to hear the success stories of alcoholism, how it can be overcome. I think it’s incredibly important that we share those stories and give hope. Nicely done!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing a happy end to an on-going journey. Addictions are such powerful beasts, and it’s absolutely important to be reminded that they can be tamed and controlled.
I think so, too.
Sounds like quite a man. Congrats on three years.
Thank you.
You are so courageous to share your story. Often the shame in having a family member who suffers from this disease prevents us from speaking up. Kudos to you and continued good health to you husband.
Thank you – it’s true that it’s not something you really want to share, for many reasons.