Trigger Warning Suicide Attempt
Somebody supporting another with alcohol addiction
I’m struggling to cope. My partner has had problems with alcohol for over 30 years. It’s got much worse in the last 4 years since his brother took his own life. My partners drinking has increased and about 2 weeks ago he attempted suicide. I’m a nervous wreck. I have to go to work alongside all this. I don’t know how to cope. I’m scared of leaving him on his own but then he says I’m overcrowding him. I’m so overwhelmed.
2 reactions
4 replies
Somebody supporting another with alcohol and cocaine addictions
Did he have to go to hospital? Did they give him a social worker? The only thing I can think of that is free is go to your GP for yourself & have you thought about Alanon-meetings for families/friends of alcoholics? We need to get support for ourselves. I have spent years caring/worrying about loved ones with addiction problems but beginning to realise it has probably mostly been a waste of my time. They are now very poorly from their addiction & I am just in a bad way all round. Had I concentrated on myself & took the focus off them so much I would think I would be in a much better place physically & mentally to participate in life myself x
Somebody supporting another with alcohol addiction
Everything feels like such a mess. He did go to hospital. In almost 2 weeks he has had 1 phone call from crisis team. He just seems so low. I’m exhausted. I just don’t know which way to turn. At first he was open and talking to me now he has closed up again. It all feels so hopeless.
Somebody in the community
We’re so sorry you’re going through this. Carrying the fear, worry and responsibility of supporting someone you love through addiction and mental health problems can become incredibly overwhelming - especially when you’re also trying to keep working and functioning day to day.
What happened two weeks ago sounds deeply traumatic, and it makes complete sense that your nervous system feels on high alert right now. Many people supporting someone in crisis describe feeling torn between “I can’t leave them” and “I’m too overwhelmed to keep carrying this alone.” That push and pull is exhausting.
Please remember: you are not expected to hold this entirely by yourself.
If you feel your partner is at immediate risk of harming himself again, or you’re worried for his safety, please call 999 or contact your local crisis team urgently.
For support for you:
• Samaritans - call 116 123 (24/7) if things feel too much or you need someone to talk to
• NHS Mental Health Crisis Support
• Al-Anon UK & Eire - support groups specifically for people affected by someone else’s drinking
And please try and look after yourself. Eating, sleeping, getting a break, asking someone else to sit with him for an hour, talking honestly with your GP or a trusted friend - those things are not selfish. They are necessary x
You do not have to navigate this alone ❤️
What happened two weeks ago sounds deeply traumatic, and it makes complete sense that your nervous system feels on high alert right now. Many people supporting someone in crisis describe feeling torn between “I can’t leave them” and “I’m too overwhelmed to keep carrying this alone.” That push and pull is exhausting.
Please remember: you are not expected to hold this entirely by yourself.
If you feel your partner is at immediate risk of harming himself again, or you’re worried for his safety, please call 999 or contact your local crisis team urgently.
For support for you:
• Samaritans - call 116 123 (24/7) if things feel too much or you need someone to talk to
• NHS Mental Health Crisis Support
• Al-Anon UK & Eire - support groups specifically for people affected by someone else’s drinking
And please try and look after yourself. Eating, sleeping, getting a break, asking someone else to sit with him for an hour, talking honestly with your GP or a trusted friend - those things are not selfish. They are necessary x
You do not have to navigate this alone ❤️
Somebody supporting another with alcohol addiction
I completely agree with the reply from A .
I have also spent the last 15 years worrying about my son who is an alcoholic. 2 attempted suicide, last one 2 weeks ago.
Sleepless nights . It is never ending I just wish I could go to sleep and not wake up. This nightmare never ends.
People without addicts in their life say just stop worrying, leave him to it !!
I am sure most people on this site would love to do that but as we know it’s not possible. I know worry does not solve anything but we all it . I just want to wake up one morning without the anxiety I feel everyday. Sending you love and strength 💕
I have also spent the last 15 years worrying about my son who is an alcoholic. 2 attempted suicide, last one 2 weeks ago.
Sleepless nights . It is never ending I just wish I could go to sleep and not wake up. This nightmare never ends.
People without addicts in their life say just stop worrying, leave him to it !!
I am sure most people on this site would love to do that but as we know it’s not possible. I know worry does not solve anything but we all it . I just want to wake up one morning without the anxiety I feel everyday. Sending you love and strength 💕