When your partner drinks too much

Living with a partner whose drinking is a problem is exhausting and lonely.

What you might feel

• Worry about their health and safety
• Anger at broken promises
• Embarrassment, covering for them
• Fear, if drinking makes them unpredictable or violent

Things that do not work

• Pouring drinks away or hiding bottles
• Arguing when they are drunk
• Taking on all their responsibilities

Things that can help

• Talk when they are sober, calmly, about specific behaviour
• Set clear limits for yourself
• Look after your own support and health
• Find groups for families of people who drink, which exist in many countries

Your safety

If drinking leads to violence or threats, your safety comes first. Use the crisis lines for your country if you are in danger.