Real words from a real alcoholic. What every family member of a drunk wishes to hear:

"I have been sober for 20 months through AA (steps, meeting, sponsor). I have to be very patient & gentle with my wife. All those years of hurt do not go away simply because I quit drinking. I'm still dealing with this issue today. But on the positive side, my wife is learning to trust me again and she does love me.

In early recovery, I think action speaks louder than words. I keep my wife updated on my challenges & progress and I reasure her that the drinking was not because of her. She also cannot comprehend why I would go on multiple day binges, like I had some kind of choice after I started drinking. I am trying to explain to her what I was going through. Not making excuses...just explaining my reality back then. It was not her fault.

I don't know what the future holds for my family but I do have hope. And in the end, all I can do is keep trying."