Expert: Beverley Glazer - 12/18/2008

Question
My husband has a drinking problem. He is not as bad as others that I have heard. He doesn't HAVE to drink EVERY night, but it's getting almost to that point. We have been together for 5 1/2 years and this is something that I have asked him to quit ever since I've known him. The drinking and the smoking. I don't think he will agree to go to AA meetings. I really don't know what to do anymore. I know this can get a lot worse, but I would like to try and snip it in the butt before it gets too much worse. There is only so much a person can do before breaking. I will stand beside him all the way through. I just don't know what to do. Do you have any insight? Your opinion would be appreciated. Thank you.

Christine

Answer
Hi Christine,

As you know, your husband is in denial. When you confront him, he will only argue with you and this will go nowhere. Here's the link to a few tests on my site: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/alcohol-abuse.html

Print them out and ask him to do them. This may open his eyes to the fact that he has an alcohol problem. But even if it doesn't, tell him that you love him but you can't live like this.

Since he doesn't want to go to AA, addiction counseling, or coaching may be the answer for him.

You can also suggest that the 2 of you see a couple counselor. A good couple counselor may be able to put him on the right track for the sake of both of you.

Hope this is helpful.

Thanks for writing AllExperts,

Beverley Glazer
http:www.untwist-your-thinking.com