Lover’s occasional drug use a big issue

Dear Annie: I have been with my boyfriend, “Harry,” for three years, and I love him very much. Last year, we had a child together. I think Harry will soon be popping the question. There is one big issue that will stop me from saying yes.

Harry is an occasional drug user. He has never brought drugs into the home, but every few months, he will “disappear” for several hours or even a whole night. We’ve had many discussions about getting him help, but he refuses. He claims he is not an addict because he only uses on occasion. Plus, he says we don’t have the money for a rehab facility.

I can see myself spending the rest of my life with this man, but the last thing I want to do is commit to Harry when I can’t be sure he will commit completely to his family. I know when you love someone it should be for better or worse, but I cannot accept this part of him. What do I do? – Cautiously Hopeful

Dear Hopeful: We appreciate that Harry doesn’t bring drugs into the house, but he also should not be disappearing overnight or require a rehab facility in order to shake a once-every-few-months habit.

Are you sure he is not using at other times? Is it possible his drug use will escalate?

Contact Nar-Anon (nar-anon.org) and Families Anonymous (familiesanonymous.org) for support. Since you have a child together, there is already a commitment in place, so please work on this until you get the answers that satisfy you before you say “I do.”