DEAR DEIDRE: NOW that the pubs are shut, my boyfriend’s dad has turned his garden shed into a “pub” and they spend evenings binge-drinking together.
I’m 23 and my boyfriend is 25. We started dating two years ago and have been living together for ten months.
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He’s the love of my life but he drinks way too much.
His dad is an alcoholic and I’m worried he’s on the same path.
My boyfriend works long hours in a distribution warehouse.
He gets two days off a week and spends one evening with his parents.
I’m OK about that but my boyfriend, his dad and sister’s boyfriend just binge-drink.
His dad boozes every night in his shed/pub.
I worry about my boyfriend getting drunk and walking home alone.
He gets aggressive when he’s drunk and is still hungover the next day.
He’s never hit me but he has pushed me so hard against the doorframe I almost knocked myself out.
He’s punched walls and made holes in doors and he’s woken me in the early hours to start a row.
I’ve tried everything from ultimatums to shock tactics to get him to quit drinking, but nothing works.
DEIDRE SAYS: Your boyfriend has a serious alcohol problem and is putting you and his family at greater risk of catching coronavirus by travelling between the two homes.
Drink turns him into an aggressive, violent guy.
This is an abusive relationship and him apologising when he’s sober doesn’t make it right.
You can’t make him stop and you’re at risk.
I’m sending you my leaflet, Living With A Drinker, to help.
Talk over your best course of action with the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) or see womensaid.org.uk.
