What It’s Really Like to Be Married to a Functional Alcoholic

Today, we’re diving into something raw, real, and painfully relatable — what it’s like to be married to a functional alcoholic.

These stories come from real Reddit users, and they show how addiction quietly progresses inside relationships that look “normal” on the outside. Each one captures a different stage — from subtle warning signs to emotional exhaustion.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking on eggshells, questioning your own reality, or carrying the weight of someone else’s drinking problem, you’ll probably see yourself somewhere in these stories.

Story 1: “Is Alcohol Ruining My Marriage, or Is It Just Me?”

A wife describes her husband of nine years — a man who started with a few beers a day and weekend binges that slowly turned into regular drinking. After multiple “cutback” talks and a near-divorce moment, he reduced his drinking… for a while.

But as she describes, “It’s creeping back up again — nine beers...

When we think about aggression and violence in relationships, the narrative often centers on men as the perpetrators. But what happens when the roles are reversed? Society tends to downplay or dismiss violent behavior from women, especially when alcohol is involved. This oversight can have devastating consequences, as seen in several recent high-profile cases.

The Cases That Demand Attention

1. Courtney Clenney and Christian Obumseli
   Courtney Clenney, an OnlyFans model, fatally stabbed her boyfriend, Christian Obumseli, in their Miami apartment. Reports revealed a history of volatile and aggressive behavior, often fueled by alcohol. Despite clear warning signs, her behavior was overlooked or excused until it escalated to tragedy.
2. Melissa Turner and Matthew Trussler
   Melissa Turner, a cosplayer, was convicted of killing her boyfriend, Matthew Trussler, during a drunken argument. Evidence showed a pattern of aggression when she drank, but like many cases, it was brushed aside as “just t...

A Tragic Wake-Up Call: Addiction, Denial, and the Hidden Dangers to Our Children

Last week, I came across a story that sent chills down my spine, and I haven’t been able to shake it since. As someone who works with families impacted by addiction every day, this one hit especially hard. Not just because of the heartbreaking outcome, but because it could easily happen to any family dealing with substance abuse behind closed doors.

I was driving home from work, listening to one of my favorite true crime creators, Stephanie Harlow. Her newest case was about a 2-year-old girl named Parker Chez, who tragically died after being left in a hot car on a day when temperatures soared above 100 degrees. That alone is gut-wrenching, but it’s the addiction component woven into the story that made it feel painfully familiar.

The Hidden Addiction Behind the Headlines

Parker’s father, Christopher, was the primary caregiver while the mother, Erica, a medical professional, was the main breadwinner. ...

Falling in Love