I don’t want to leave my girlfriend – but I will unless she stops drinking

09/28/2020

DEAR DEIDRE: I HAVE warned my girlfriend I’ll leave her unless she stops drinking.

I don’t want to because I love her but my patience is wearing thin.

She is abusive and says hurtful things after a few drinks.

The next day she is embarrassed but she drinks again that night and the same thing happens.

I am 28 and my girlfriend is 26. We have been together for almost a year. I do everything for her.

I take her out, buy her expensive presents and generally do whatever she wants.

Her friends say her drinking isn’t that bad, but they don’t see her after they leave.

She has manipulated them into thinking I’m controlling and don’t want her to have fun, when in fact I have her best interests at heart.

My team and I are working safely from home but we are here to help you as always.

Send an email to [email protected].

Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.

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DEIDRE SAYS: She clearly has an alcohol problem but an ultimatum is likely to have the opposite effect to the one you want.

Tell her that you care for her too much to watch her risk her health further.

Be firm that she needs help and you will support her.

My e-leaflet Dealing With A Problem Drinker explains.

And find support through Al-Anon (al-anonuk.org.uk, 0800 0086 811).