I'm interested in what happens in relationships after cutting back on drinking. I found myself more intolerant, irritable, and more aware of how often I give in to others to keep the peace or don't speak my mind.

Sometimes I think I am more irritable after I take my NAL. Would be interested in other's experiences.

Any relationship that had alcohol as the primary glue holding it together is bound to suffer...

Me too. In my case I don't believe it is from cutting back on alcohol, but a SE from the pill. And I don't get my mood change right after I take my meds, but one or two days later.
But then I am quite miserable and very irritable especially towards my husband.

I can relate to that as well. I have found if I am irritable I really have to ask myself if it is me or the other person. Thankfully my husband will step in and let me know (gently most of the time). It has been getting easier with time, sleepy time tea, and valerian root. I find my most irritable time is at night when I usually drink and that is why I use the tea; however, the valerian root can be taken in smaller doses to help with stress (which for me it is a build up from the day). Good luck and remember this to shall pass!

Jaba

Comparing a bit of irritability to passing out, forgetting the night before, repeating yourself, and acting stupid, etc etc makes it a win in my book

Once your mind can go beyond obsessing about the next drink, or the last drink, or wouldn't it be great to have a drink, things get much better mentally. It takes some time though

Yea I have had the irritability too so I know EXACTLY what you mean. But at least when sober I can rationally think about and work on my relationships. That has to be better. Newlife

My drinking destroyed relationships and my ability to have them. I was more interested in drinking, and would also be very unpredictable and untrustworthy.

Yes I get irritable, but that's life.

I started a relationship just as I started TSM, to be fair we had known each other a fair few years prior, however I know that if I hadn't used TSM and reduced my drinking, the relationship would not have had a chance.

I'm soon to be married.

My fiance knows I am moody, I've also explored some of this in my own therapy, as well as part of a subject I've been studying at graduate level.

It is thought that attachment theory is of particular consquence to addicts, not everyone goes along with it, but I know for me it does explain how I can be in my close relationships. It's helped me understand myself and how I relate to others a lot better.

Might be worth looking up, but be warned it can evoke painful issues and memories.

UKB: Congrats on your engagement!! Newlife

Initially I had no irritability with the Nal - but the past few weeks if I take it and drink, then I am just awful that I have noticed. I have always been so 'nice' for want of a better word - hubs asked me the other day who had kidnapped his wife and replaced her with me ! We have been married for 33 years and he said I have really changed over the past 6 months .....

Hugs, Maggie x

I am with Guapo on this one. I am not sure if I am more irritable or not but wife is pretty happy I am trying to kick AL and a happy wife equals a happy life! Plus we are both a little irritable because we have several teenagers that are pay back for ALL of the bad things we did in life PLUS INTEREST!