I’m scared my husband might do it again

Dear Obaa Yaa,
As we approach the festive season, I fear my husband might return to his days of alcoholism. He has battled alcoholism in the past, but with regular counselling and advice from friends and family, he managed to stop.

However, there are occasions when he slips back, which worries me because the last holiday didn’t end well for him. As Christmas approaches, I know the temptation to follow his friends around will be high, but I hope we can convince him to stay away from it.

— Dede Charity, Tema

Dear Dede,
A return to old habits can be challenging and emotionally draining—not just for the person struggling with addiction but also for loved ones. Your support during this critical time is very important.

Encourage him to take control of his recovery and provide consistent emotional support. At the same time, avoid enabling behaviours, such as covering for him or giving financial assistance that could be used to buy alcohol.

You might also consider setting clear boundaries and discussing coping strategies together, and involving trusted family or friends who can support him during the festive season. Remember, recovery is a shared effort, and your guidance can help him stay on track.