Expert: Druideck - 1/5/2008

Question
I've recently been diagnosed as bipolar and I've discovered that I've been using alcohol to self-medicate for years.  I've made the decision to stop drinking, as I am now on great medication and for the first time I feel 'real'.  The problem is my husband.  Our whole marriage was founded on having a good time drinking and being out with friends.  He's supposedly supportive, but as I write this, he's sitting on the couch enjoying a beer at 11:30 AM.  It's not that I'm watching him and craving a drink - it's that he's doing this in front of me when he's knows I'm trying hard.  Am I overreacting?  Should I expect him to be more sensitive?

Answer
A,

it may be difficult to be around drinkers
this early in your recovery. He is not the
one making this decision not to drink however.

-Your decision to quit drinking is yours
and eventually you will have to live sober
in a world where alcohol still exists.

-Have you told him your feelings and asked
him not to drink in front of you?
If he still drinks then you have to
consider what that means.

-Ultimately you will have to quit drinking for
yourself regardless of what anyone else is
doing. I personally would never want
my old drinking life back. Hang in there.