My husband drinks a lot. Every evening, I do not know how many bottles he downs
Dear Diana
Dear Diana,
My husband drinks a lot. Every evening, I do not know how many bottles he downs. On Sundays and holidays, he starts from afternoon itself. He often hangs out with his group of pals and then never returns home till the wee hours. He is then so drunk that he can barely walk and is not in his senses. He says drinking helps him deal with stress. We have had several arguments about it as it is affecting our relationship. He says he knows he has a problem, but cannot stop. We have been married for eight years. I am at the point where I cannot take it anymore. I have stopped going out with him as he does not know how to behave after a few glasses. I am worried for my seven-year-old son who knows that his father is always at the bar drinking. Once he had overdone it and had to be hospitalised. This health scare, however, did not deter him from drinking again.
— Jasmine
Illustration/Amit Bandre
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Dear Jasmine,
Your husband is a chronic drinker. He certainly has a big problem on his hand. Living with someone who has an alcohol problem can be frustrating. There are organisations that can help overcome alcohol addiction. He needs help and counselling. That health scare should have knocked sense into his head. At the same time, you have to look after your well-being and of your son. Drinking makes him go berserk and he can inflict physical harm. Suffering in silence and hoping for him to give up drinking won't lead you anywhere, except maybe towards more misery and depression. At the same time, you cannot expect the problem to resolve itself while you do nothing. If you care for him, extend a helping hand. If not, then think of beginning life anew without him.