Originally Posted by Because

I have been married to an alcoholic for 8 years (lived with him for one year before marriage). He is presently in rehab for the second time this year. He was also in rehab 4 years ago. Over the years he has tried various approaches, but was never able to follow through.

I have saved his life over and over again. But, I suppose some people just don't want to be saved. I truly believe he would not be alive if he wasn't with me (or anyone else that would be there to save him).

Up until the last year, he was a highly functional alcoholic, with a successful business and able to plan and do activities with me. Fortunately, he has a business partner and still has his very profitable business. But, he has basically checked out of life. His alcholism has progressed terribly over the last 2 years (as it does as one gets older).

During one of his binges, I consulted an attorney to file for a legal separation. He showed up and I sent him to the ER and onto detox and rehab. I decided not to pursue any legal action, as I had promised him that I would not do so if he went into rehab.

Well....it's been a week since his re-entry. He has been offensive, verbally abusive, and downright nasty. My life is chaos and he does not recognize all that I have done for him and am doing for him right now. I am exhausted beyond belief. We don't have children (chose not to), but I have been taking care of an "adolescent" all these years. I feel bad for him because he had a childhood of abuse and now suffers from PTSD. I don't believe he can stay sober or take care of himself. But, I am waiting for him to take care of me. I realize that this may never be possible.