TBH and roxygirl I know what the both of you are feeling from both sides. Both my husband and I are on Nal and I guess when we started you'd say I was the functioning al. I only drink when I get home from work but he drank all day and night and hiding bottles was a daily routine. TBH you have to do this first for yourself before you can do this for him and if you need to think I'm sick but I'm taking my medicine to get better that's what you should do, if he has stayed this long he will stay longer (he loves you). Roxygirl remember this condition is not of her choosing and always keep in mind when you see her do things that this will not be forever, she's moving toward a new day. I can say all this because my husband no longer hides bottles and some days drinks less than me! If you would have told me this almost 3 months earlier I would have said you were nuts but I have the proof today. Be encouraged things will get better it's a journey with bumpy roads but they will eventually smooth out.

Keeping you both in my thoughts
corkit

You don't HAVE to behave in ANY way. You are doing the best you can. You're awesome to be this involved.
You two are in early days, and I can tell you it will likely get worse before it gets better. People who truly love each other can get through anything. (That's what I tell myself when things get bad, but I really believe it).
She may continue to hide it, at least to some degree, as long as she feels ashamed of it. A stamp of approval from my husband to do TSM did not take away the shame I feel pouring a drink in front of him at 8am. She'll hide it because in her mind, she's protecting your feelings while she struggles to understand her own. Not because she wants to deceive you. On the contrary. If she's like me, she is tired of hurting you, but is powerless to stop it.
You are a very courageous. She's lucky to have you. Hang in there.

Thanks Bigheads. Very helpful and encouraging.

I just wanted to let you know that yesterday turned out way different from what would have happened pre-TSM. We got through the issue without anger and turned it around. That situation would normally turn into an argument with one of us storming out the door. It didn't and I am grateful for the support in this thread.

L

Please hang in there EVERYBODY.

I am and won't give up. I've been kinda caught up but know sadly all too well that I have to hide alcohol as my wife is not supportive. Let her hide if she must, just don't judge her. I think if my wife just wouldn't judge me I'd be so much better off, but alas (ok sorry but it seemed the appropriate word ), it is not to be....

I do feel better, this is working and I will stay the course with or without the Mrs. Good news is that I visit mom next week and won't have to hide from her as she is aware of my situation. Take care and Best, Jim

An odd thing happened last evening. Roxy wanted to drink, but did not have a very high craving index. She had three glasses of wine from a bottle , corked it, and went to bed. Now this is something that I haven't seen before. It's only been two weeks, but I find the whole thing very interesting. I've never seen her leave one or two glasses of wine in a bottle before after drinking only a few. Could it be after only two weeks that there are signs of treatment taking hold?

Larry

Today I have to give up. I realized last night I have really gone off the deep end and I need to stop drinking so I can care for my kids. They're too young, and i'm alone most of the time. I looked in my 3 yo's eyes last night and I thought, she deserves a better mom. I cannot be alone and drink. I have to be a decent mom to my kids. So today I'm going c/t. Have been sick twice this morning, but gotta get through it. Maybe someday I can try again. I feel very scared. I know what's coming today. And it's awful. But so is the idea of driving to the store with my kids. Won't do it.
Thanks everyone for your support. I'll check in.

be careful tbh

cold turkey is no fun, and can be genuinely physically dangerous.

Larry here: Well, I'm sorry to hear you are having a tough time. You have touched on a point that I am very sensitive to, that of drinking while being a mom.
I think it's a line that needs to be toed, however you need to get there. The thing is, you seemed to be doing well with this method from reading your posts. Perhaps you need to take a step back for some perspective and get all the support you need to supplement your quest. On another note, and I don't mean to sound rude, i am not sure the reason for posting in this thread. If you feel some connection to our situation then that is perfectly fine with us. I just think you might get more support if you start a new thread regarding your situation.

Best
Larry

To the roxies and bighead:

There is strength to be gained on this board from the experiences of others. Roxycouple: Please read the posts of Providence as her husband has been through hell with her and they seem to be coming out on the other side. Very inspiring!!

Bigheads: Yes, do please start your own thread, but in the meantime, please look up happy4once on the cured list and read some of her posts. She has small children and has got her life back. Cold turkey will only cause alcohol deprivation effect, making things worse.

Anyone who would like some editing cleanup on this thread, pm the moderators with your preferences and we'll fix ya right up.

It sounds quite simple to take a pill and wait for your life to change. Turns out, the song is right: The waiting is the hardest part. That's the true value of this board.