Addiction to Alcohol/Husband

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Expert: - 12/1/2009


Question
Hi There,
I am writing today because I need someone to talk to and I haven't got that.
My husband plays tickets everyday about 10 everyday, on the weekends he drinks mostly every weekend and recently I have found out that he has been renting porn that he lied to me about I had to call our cable person to see what was going on.
Does my husband have a problem?

Answer

Beverley Glazer MA., I
Hi Tina,

It sounds like your husband is a compulsive gambler. He may be a binge drinker and may also have developed other impulse control behaviors, but you share his problems, because you live with him.

The important thing for you is to try to get on with having a normal life for yourself -- in spite of him.  Now that you know what's going on, don't enable him in any way. Here's some information on the subject:

http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/enabling-behavior.html

My site untwist-your-thinking.com is filled with information on impulse control behaviors. This may also be helpful for you.

Tell him that you're fed up with his behavior and demand that he gets the help he needs. He's probably in denial and won't do it, but when you stop enabling, he has to own up to his behavior, and eventually, he may be more open to it.

Go to Al-anon meetings for yourself. The people there are all involved in similar situations and you won't feel so alone. You'll also learn how to deal with the difficult situation that you're in, and create a more positive life for yourself.

I hope this information is helpful,
Thank you for asking AllExperts,

Best of luck

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

Beverley Glazer

Expertise

I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.

Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association, For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor, CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.

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