It must be very difficult to quit without help. And your husband failed even though he went to rehab. It’s very sad when people start on that tragic trajectory.

I have never had an alcohol problem, but my father did, as did his mother. My childhood was marred by his constant drinking after work and on weekends. My grandmother binge drank all weekend, every week without fail.

Surprisingly, both were able to quit cold turkey. My dad just decided one day that he had to be a better father to my youngest brother, who was four and the only child still living at home. He never had another drink until he died thirty years later. My grandmother stopped when her living conditions improved.

But I think they were unusual. People should assume that an addict will not change and should avoid getting involved with one.