My partner, who is 29 years old, struggles with violent behavior due to alcohol addiction, and I'm feeling lost about how to handle this situation.
As the title indicates, my partner struggles with severe alcoholism. Her behavior often leads to blackouts, destructive outbursts, and even self-harm. She drinks almost every night, gradually increasing her intake from a third of a bottle of Jack Daniel's to a whole bottle. Although her key worker suggested she reduce her drinking gradually, she misinterpreted the advice to mean she should continue her usual habits until she can enter detox four weeks from now. When sober, she is incredibly quiet and introverted. She has endured a decade-long abusive relationship that severely disrupted her education, social life, employment, and financial independence. At 16, she became pregnant by her older partner, who took out loans in her name that she is still repaying. He was physically violent, even threatening her with a knife, which ultimately led her to leave him and her children. Although her children are safe with him—albeit neglected—they are not harmed. The extent of the abuse left her so unprepared to take care of herself that she felt trapped and lost in her own life. Adding to her struggles is a difficult childhood. She has no support system and is at risk of losing her job, despite me and my mother helping her find work. She now has a stable job that pays more than her ex does (he provides child support, but we’re uncertain how it’s spent). Last night, she threatened me, saying that if I didn’t buy her drinks, she would take her sleeping pills. This morning, while I was in a meeting, she barged in, demanding more alcohol and resorted to shouting, hitting, and throwing things at me. I had to push her back to protect myself, and she retaliated by continuing to yell and strike at me. I tried to contact her key worker for support but was advised to call the police, which I hesitated to do. After discussing options with my mother, I decided to buy her two beers, hoping it would quell her aggression. It worked temporarily, but she soon returned demanding more drinks and her sleeping pills. I had hidden her sleeping medications after she threatened to take them, but she managed to find her antidepressants and locked herself in the bathroom. I picked the lock to retrieve the pills, but her demands for more medication continued as she rummaged through her other prescriptions. She has been increasingly violent toward me for several months now. I've faced physical aggression along with emotional abuse, including verbal assaults and infidelity (which has been resolved). It used to be confined to shouting and throwing things, but it has escalated. I want to support her sober side, but I’m uncertain if I can endure the waiting period until she receives treatment. My mental health is deteriorating, and her words have left me feeling hopeless. Just two days ago, she told me to go die, and I found myself contemplating that. If I leave her, she faces homelessness with little to nothing to support herself. If I stay, I risk ongoing abuse for an unknown duration, followed by detox and an uncertain future. I fear involving the police might have detrimental effects on her life and career. In summary, my girlfriend is a violent drunk, and I’m at a loss for how to proceed. If we part ways, she could be homeless; if I remain by her side, I face continued abuse. What steps can I take? Is there any guidance or actions I can consider to address this situation?