DEAR ABBY: My husband and I were married six months ago. We've known each other since we were kids. As teenagers, we were both in and out of trouble. A year ago we faced a substance abuse problem together and took steps toward making a fresh start.
When we tied the knot, we made a commitment to put our past behind us and move forward as partners. However, two months after our wedding, my husband came home one night and said he felt trapped and wanted to be free.
He left me and started drinking and doing drugs again. I am committed to staying clean and sober. Although I know I had no control over him, I begged him to come home so we could work on his addiction.
After being gone for two weeks, he returned home and promised never to leave me again. He said he had just needed time to realize what we had.
Now, four months later, I have discovered his boss fired him for using heroin. So what did my husband do? He left me again. Two days after that, I filed for divorce. But I love him so much I can't stop asking myself if I did the right thing. Should I have given my marriage a little more time, Abby? -- STILL IN LOVE WITH A NEW ORLEANS DRUGGIE
DEAR STILL IN LOVE: I don't think so. His relapse into heroin use makes it apparent that he hasn't licked his addiction, and it is vital that you not allow yourself to be dragged down with him.
If, at some later date, he is able to manage his sickness -- and addiction is a sickness -- you can revisit the question of whether he's a suitable lifetime partner. But for now, I'd say you did the right thing.