Old 01-10-2018, 03:03 AM
  # 10 (permalink)  
LateBloominCait
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 201
Chances are that your relationship is codependent and he has very rational fears that if you fall back into old patterns, he will drink again. If he truly gets well and you don't seek help for yourself, he may have no choice but to be alone to stay sober. You really should call and find a professional to talk to. Many spouses (enablers) are themselves addicted to the addict and their drama and addicted to the "rescuer" role. They don't know what to do when the addict no longer needs their 24/7 help.

Him needing help as an addict was not love and you helping wasn't love. It was codependence. Love can only occur between two independent, strong and sober individuals who take responsibility for their part of the relationship. Since addict/enabler relationships tend to turn into invalid/caretaker relationships, it isn't uncommon for the romance to die after living that way for a while. The enabler becomes more of a parental figure which is not attractive. The addict's behavior can also dampen romantic feelings for the spouse and turn into disgist or even contempt.

Is it unfair that his drinking is impacting you this way? Yes, but you weren't married to a fully mature man. He is going to do a lot of growing up as he gets more time sober and probably isn't sure who he will be at the end of the journey. You getting help will mean you can work on becoming a healthier partner as well but also a stronger and more independent person which is what he will need to maintain sobriety going forward.

If you truly believe his addiction is what held you together, it is probably going to end anyway as it was never a healthy relationship. But I suspect he is probably at a stage of his recovery where he isn't feeling overly emotional or flowery. He will be a lot less damatic. He may have been very flowery with romantic words before, but that was the alcohol amplifying his feelings. You probably are used to the roller coaster of extreme highs as well as lows. If he is really getting better, the ride will settle down. Many spouses have no idea how addicted to the drama they are until it's gone.
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