Newly single, I suddenly feel happy again

At my parents', with the children, I feel protected by the familiarity of the house and my family

Telling the children about our separation

It's finally time to speak to the children about R moving out, and it's a million times worse than I imagined. I don't know why I pictured a calmer, less emotionally charged scene

I’ve had the abortion. Now it’s time to move on

At my support group, I finally realise how my life has to change

My sister lives across the ocean but she’s always there for me

With only a couple of days to go until the abortion, I feel lost. But after talking to my sister, who lives in the United States, things start to look better

R is now using the pregnancy as an excuse to drink

I am angry that even R's addiction has not drowned my love for him, and the possible love for a future child together

‘Out of all my pregnancies, this is the biggest surprise’

I'm certain I don't want another baby, but I can't help thinking that if we were in a more stable relationship being pregnant would be something to celebrate

I give R an ultimatum: ‘It’s the drink or me’

There. It's been said. But within seconds, this certainty is replaced with a queasy sensation: I'll have to stick to my guns

R’s confessions are a blessing and a curse

In a sense, when R relapsed recently, so did I. I started to forget myself and the family – now I am becoming increasingly distant

Will R and I ever enjoy a party again?

As we chat, I realise how enjoyable the beer is. With each sip, I feel better, looser, less self-conscious. I am very much aware right now of how hard it must be for R

Can we trust R after so many years of drink-fuelled lies?

Can we trust R after so many years of drink-fuelled lies?

R is drinking again

My husband is away on a climbing break ... Actually, it turns out he's been holed up by himself in a pub for hours, getting drunk

Board game aims to get young people talking about health issues

Zones encourages young people to work together to discuss issues and find answers to teen health topics, writes Jo Arden

5:2 your life – the alcohol detox

Phil Daoust: 'In company or on my own, at home or away from it, I drink. Do I need to? I don't know'

I’m beginning to waver on the sex ban

I said no sex to my husband until he goes back to his AA meetings. It feels ridiculous, but what will it mean if I break it?

At a family support meeting, I spot a man I find attractive

I start to think all sorts of inappropriate things about the man who looks like a young Jeff Bridges. What would he look like naked?