Thanks @Silverfox .....
I think there is a multiple diagnosis awaiting my husband somewhere in, hopefully, the not too distant future, and a personality disorder appears to be the base cause of it all ..... but I am not a professional in that direction, and his choices regarding his future involve another person with complications in that direction too ...... the switch in value system is what has totally excluded reconciliation f
for me, but with five adult kids in the mix, one with profound disabilities, it is also impossible at this stage to simply watch him truckin' off into the sunset with "new person" ...... the pd-like effects remain and are vindictive and controlling, making legal action a big part of our immediate future .....
Owing to that lack of belief in, and support around the carer, I am also experiencing a sense of relief, believing I had done my very best to try to access help for him. When the addictions and things do eventually surface in a way that can be seen, I now won't be the one there during his treatment and recovery process.
My current task is buttoning down the hatches and trying to keep everyone safe through the sinking of our ship, and launching the life rafts in search of new land.
i am glad I stayed for the long haul, if that helps anyone else. I have a sense of peace about that.