The title of the book prefaces enablers getting the "highs" of my drunken husband being charming, likable, center of attention in bars and group settings. Then coming home to me getting the "lows," being mean, low energy, passed out husband, after telling drunken lies to family, friends and strangers. The cause of this continued behavior was later diagnosed as Type 1 Manic Bipolar and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, causing alcohol abuse for years. Sometimes he would say I'm an amazing wife and mother, then a day later I'm crazy and horrible. Then a few days later appreciate my efforts of staying on a budget with no debt, then secretly open credit cards to binge spend. He would love his current job, then hate his job and get fired. He would love a city or house we live in then wake up and hate it wanting to sell and move.
This was a vicious cycle with no explanation, until it was too late. He was diagnosed, but refused treatment. He finally had a breakdown, but the damage was beyond repair. The book chronicles the journey from the wife trying to keep family in tact, while trying to get him the help he needed all along. She encountered many obstacles, with no support. Being a scapegoat left her to fight these battles, with a handful of supporters that knew the truth. The ending was a new beginning being seen as the family whistleblower.
