Expert: james52144@earthlink.net - 9/24/2006

Question
My husband has been sober for 2 years.  6 months ago   he started dabling in drinking again. He said that it was different.  I have caught him 2 times sluring his words.  He drinks, that I know of, every other week.  He won't stop - is he considered to be an alcoholic?  I feel like second fiddle again.  Would it be best to separate from him until he stops.

Becky  

Answer
Dear Becky

It is not up to me to judge whether he is an alcoholic. That is a decision that each person has to make about their drinking. If alcohol causes problems in his life and he cannot stop drinking, that is the classic definition of an alcoholic. There are a lot of functional alcoholics out there, where alcohol only destroys the relationships in their lives, not their job or health. I was one for twenty years. I can't tell you whether to leave or not. I can recommend that you start going to Alanon meetings, which are support groups for those who are effected by alcoholics.

Good luck.