worried72

Hi all,
My DH is coming home from 57 days inpatient - voluntary. He has been desperate to come home, but texted me this morning saying that even though he didn't want to go, now he's scared to leave. I am guessing this is normal - in an abnormal situation, of course.

He has attended lots of AA meetings in our area that he likes (while on evening and weekend passes in Extended Care) so I know he has resources.... as do I.

Just wondering if anyone has experience with the first weeks, months home from inpatient, getting to a new normal... would love to hear.

Not needing advice, per se... just experiences.

Thanks in advance,
L. (RAH drinking all of our marriage of 13 years, daughter age 7)

choublak

When dealing with alcoholism/addiction, I don't think there really is such thing as "normal".

Pelican

I did not do rehab, but I did get sober while married.

This is how I viewed our marriage after my sobriety/recovery began:

It was like a dance at a big dance hall.

The partner is the same.
The surroundings are the same.
But the music has changed.

Time to learn a few new dance steps together.
Some toes may get stepped on in the process, but the efforts can be worthwhile.

I went through the dance twice. My AH got sober after our divorce and we attempted some dating. I kept my focus on my dance steps, while he adjusted his dance steps.

I encourage you to focus on doing the next right thing for yourself and allow your partner to focus on his next right steps. After a few mis-steps, you may be moving in harmony across the great dance of life.

Sending you encouragement!