Addiction has many affects not only on the addict but also on their families. As a wife of an addict I find it very difficult to manage our lives sometimes. Coming from a religious background where alcohol was never introduced I was shocked when I met my husband and he informed me that he been to rehab. Rehab? What is this rehab you speak of? I was ignorant to his needs and only thought of my own. I wanted him to go out with me and to order a bottle of wine when we went to a fancy dinner. I didn't want to be the only one at the table drinking an alcoholic beverage so I insisted he do the same. I caused his relapse and I didn't even know. Because I did not "understand" how he couldn't stop at just one I encouraged him to drink and I regret it everyday.

That one glass of wine caused a downward spiral that lasted six months and finally came to a head one frightening night. He blacked out and I was scared. He wasn't himself. It was like someone else had taken over his body and mind. The worst part was that he remembered none of this the next morning, but it's a night I will never forget.

That terrible night caused my husband to once again reevaluate his life and make the decision to become sober. He's been sober two years now and I couldn't be more proud. I've learned not to drink in front of him and not to express an interest in it. He doesn't need that, he needs my support, my understanding, and my commitment that I will stand by his side and help him through this.

Now I dissuade any drinking and drug use and support AA. It's still hard not being able to have a glass of wine together or drinking a beer at the beach with him but his health is more important than any alcoholic beverage out there.

Adjusting to this lifestyle took some time and recognizing and attempting to understand the reasons behind his decisions was problematical but it's all been worth it. My husband without alcohol and drugs is the husband I've always dreamed of and I wouldn't trade him for anyone else in the world.

We still struggle and we still have challenges to overcome but we are doing them together. I know that every time something unpleasant happens he wants to resort back to his old ways and escape. The only thing I can do is advise against making the wrong decision. If you are dealing with someone in your family or are in a relationship with an addict you mustn't continue on uninformed. Read books, talk to someone, do a Google search, and obtain all the knowledge you can about the disease. You can't help them fight it if you don't understand what you're up against.

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