FreeBird09

A few weeks ago my son, (over 21) was headed to a party. I told him, don't drink and drive, and don't ride with anyone who has been drinking, if you need a ride CALL ME. Around 3am the phone rang, it was my son, he needed a ride. I said, ok. I picked him up and didn't really smell alcohol on him, but was 1l2 asleep. I told him he was going to spend the night at my house, since it was so 'early' and I would bring him to his house in the morning. The next morning we get ready to leave and the smell of alcohol on his breath was so bad that I became violently ill. I don't know if it is an emotional situation that is manifesting physical side effects (because of the AXBF) of what the problem is. Every time I smell booze of any kind I get violently ill. I drink a little wine and that don't bother me, but I am thinking maybe it is the smell of booze on a MALE that is causing this? Does anyone have any thoughts? I think I have become allergic to alcoholics, or drinkers, or whatever they want to be called. I can't be around my step father neither, as he drinks too, and the smell on him makes me vomit, not WANT to vomit, but actually vomit.

GiveLove

Doesn't surprise me. Listen to your body, freebird. I had a similar experience - and still do have a slight nauseous reaction to the smell of a man who reeks of liquor. It just smells like sadness and pain to me, and my whole body would contract...now I just shudder a little. It may fade for you too, but I wouldn't count on it ever going away. That's what trauma can do to a person.

FreeBird09

GiveLove, I grew up with alcoholics, that is why I don't understand how this ONE man (AXBF) can finally break me down to where I become violently ill now when I smell alcohol on a man. I can now tell when someone IS a drinker, even if they aren't drinking when I am around them. It's as if they put off this vibe, and my gut reacts to it. (which is a real good thing)

GiveLove

They don't just put out a vibe. They put out an odor. It's very subtle, but I can smell it. Just a faint, moist, chemical, icky smell. I've noticed that others in my life don't smell it....just me. And it's always, always spot on, so I know it's not my imagination.

From what I know about your relationship, freebird, it does not surprise me that the trauma you suffered at his hands "pushed you over the edge."

And every time I see you here, I am so grateful for the progress you've made in building a healthier life. I am so proud.