Ep 49 Has He Stopped “Showing Up” for the Holidays? Guest Interview: Addiction, Alcoholism, Depression, and Anxiety Collide at Christmas

What happens to holidays as alcoholism progresses?

In this episode of Wife on the Rocks, we share a deeply personal conversation about howalcohol addiction slowly changed our family’s holidays over the years — often in ways we didn’tfully understand at the time.

This is a joint interview with my husband and me, reflecting honestly on:• What holidays looked like before addiction took over• How alcohol slowly pulled him away from family traditions• Why he began opting out, canceling plans, or avoiding holidays altogether• How anxiety and depression intensified as the disease progressed• The grief and confusion wives experience when their spouse emotionally disappears• Why missed holidays are often about addiction — not lack of love

We talk openly about how alcoholism doesn’t just affect drinking — it affects motivation,connection, mental health, and the ability to show up for meaningful moments. As the diseaseprogressed, holidays became overwhelming instead of joyful, leading to isolation, withdrawal,and eventually absence.

If you’ve ever wondered:• “Why doesn’t he want to do holidays anymore?”• “Why am I celebrating alone?”• “Is this depression, anxiety, or alcoholism?”• “Does he even care?”

This episode will help you understand what may really be happening — and remind you thatyou’re not alone, and it’s not your fault.

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