logo

Story Of The Day: The Lessons I Learned While Dating An Alcoholic

author
Jun 01, 2021
10:00 A.M.
Share this pen
FacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterLinkedInLinkedInEmailEmail

Substance abuse is a terrible disease that plagues way too many people worldwide. The worst part about this disease is the varying degrees of substance abuse people can suffer from, from alcoholism to drug abuse.

Advertisement

Unfortunately, alcohol is a socially accepted substance that many people see no problem with. Far fewer people have alcohol dependency issues than drug dependency issues simply because alcohol is not as addictive as drugs are.

However, the addiction is no better simply because it is socially accepted, and I am here to tell you what I learned from dating an alcoholic.

Our Love Story

Unsplash

Unsplash

Advertisement

Okay, for the sake of his safety and privacy, let’s call this man Mario. Mario and I met in 2018, I had just got out of a relationship, and he had been single for a while. He had a large group of friends, and they all welcomed me with open arms.

We didn’t officially date until 2020 because I discovered that he had alcohol dependency issues about three months into knowing Mario. He would drink from Friday to Monday and sometimes from Wednesday to Tuesday.

Unsplash

Unsplash

I confronted him about it, and he said that he would slow down, but he was never really able to slow down. One drink always leads to eleven more, and by the end of the night, I was always dragging him home because he was way too intoxicated to know it was time to stop.

Advertisement

In 2020, he finally decided that he needed to stop drinking for good. I appreciated his efforts and loved him dearly. He was damaged and fragile, and I felt so bad that he was so affected by things that had happened in his childhood.

Unsplash

Unsplash

He stopped drinking properly in 2020 and had a few relapses before deciding that he should get an implant that stops him from drinking. He was on it for four months, and our lives seemed to finally be going in the right direction after working on it for so long.

Advertisement

Resentment

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

You should get the implant redone every four months, and Mario decided that he didn’t want to do it again. He felt as though he could stay sober without the implant, and I trusted him to make that decision for himself.

However, the minute that he got that implant, as much as it seemed like he was healing and we were coming together, it was the moment that our relationship began to fall apart. We both thought it was what we wanted, but we had no idea.

Advertisement
Unsplash

Unsplash

Mario began to stay out late again, and even though he didn’t come home smelling like alcohol, he didn’t come home and cuddle me to sleep either. He was distant and snappy, and I knew that something was up.

Recently, we broke up because he didn’t feel like himself. When you spend your whole life surrounded by people who love you because you’re buying them drinks and you lose that all of a sudden, it feels lonely.

Advertisement

Mario doesn’t know what he wants from this life, mostly because he has been surrounded by substance all his life, and he is now sober, which is difficult. However, he is learning day by day how to cope with his new normal.

As for me, I learned patience, trust, and most of all, I learned how to be my person. Regardless of Mario’s addiction, I needed to carry on with my life. Whether he relapsed or not, my life had to go on. I had my own things to do, and I couldn’t let him get in the way.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

I truly wish him nothing but the absolute best, and I hope that he and everybody else suffering from this disease manages to get and stay sober so that they can realize their dreams.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Are Claw Clips Bad for Your Hair? Exploring the Benefits & Easy Hairstyles

August 03, 2023

Navigating the Talking Phase and Signs It Is Going Well

July 27, 2023

How Long Does Cartilage Take To Heal? Tips & Aftercare Advice

July 31, 2023

What Is a Matron of Honor? Exploring The Roles and Responsibilities

August 07, 2023

Aloe Vera Skincare: Harnessing the Power of Nature for Healthy Skin

August 25, 2023

Aklief vs. Tretinoin – Choosing the Ideal Topical Retinoid for You

August 23, 2023

Why Does My Makeup Look Patchy? Skincare Tips for a Flawless Look

August 22, 2023

5 Funeral Dresses under $50 Suitable as Mourning Attire

October 30, 2023

The List of Colleen Hoover Books to Read in Chronological Order - the Standalone Novels and Book Series

September 25, 2023

Fulani Braids & Different Ways to Style Them

October 05, 2023

Y2K Jeans: Styles and Trendy DIY Examples

August 21, 2023

Helpful Tips to Properly Care For Oily Dehydrated Skin

July 17, 2023

How to Make Eyeliner Out of Eyeshadow: 8 Life Hacks for a Vibrant & Lasting Finish

September 18, 2023

Y2K Nails: Easy Designs for Everyone to Rock the Retro Vibe

August 14, 2023