When you are trying to share your life with an alcoholic, the results can be dreadful. You may become so consumed with your anger, fear and worry that you begin to neglect your own more healthy lifestyle. If your spouse doesn't get serious substance abuse treatment, it is likely that the two of you may separate, that you may become a victim of physical trauma or that your relationship will end.
While your spouse may not have the specific intention of harming you, emotional and physical harm may come to you in the end. That harm can involve your uncontrollable anxiety, frustration, your neglect of other people in the family, sleep difficulty, socialization difficulties, infidelity - on one or both parts - feelings of shame and even thoughts of suicide. Financial problems involving the loss of your job, your home, your car and even your physical health may result from continuing to share your life with an alcoholic.
Treatment is available for the alcoholic. Never forget that it is available for you as well. You can join a support group like Al-anon. You can lean on friends and other members of your family. You also can see a counselor to help yourself develop healthy ways to cope
Be sure, too, to take special care for any children who may be involved. To answer your unspoken question..........Yes, they do know.