Is living with an alcoholic easy? I’d have to ask myself that question, because I am that alcoholic.
Is living with an alcoholic easy?I can tell you that when I was active in my disease, living with an alcoholic (me) was unpredictable and a little chaotic. I didn’t bother me though, but it bothered everyone around me. That’s why it’s known as a family disease.
I know a little about the disease of alcoholism because I too found living with an alcoholic a little chaotic. Maybe crazy is a better word. I’m an adult child of an alcoholic, meaning I grew up with the disease of alcoholism. Both my parents drank heavily, and I can remember thinking this must be what parents do. It wasn’t until I was in college and met my husband that my drinking habits were pointed out to me – more than a handful of times.
Living with an alcoholic who is active in their disease is crazy.
I drove my family and myself crazy. I couldn’t remember who I told what to and every time I opened my mouth I felt the lies snowballing bigger and bigger. They didn’t understand the pressure I was under, and so I drank. And I lied about what I drank, where I drank and how much I had drank. All which are typical behaviors of living with an alcoholic.
It took my family backing off and letting me hit my own rock-bottom before I even admitted there may be a problem. When I did, I was greeted with loving arms and complete compassion. I then went into a treatment center where I had to detox in order to really begin the process of recovery.
I know firsthand that living with an alcoholic who is active in their disease is unpredictable (because I was), chaotic (because I was) and yes, even crazy because that I was for certain.
By the grace of God, I’ve been sober for 6 years, 4 months and 10 days.
I am completely grateful that my family hung in there during this dark time. Ask me how living with an alcoholic in recovery is, and I will tell you it’s the most amazing, beautiful experience ever!