Support groups like alcoholics anonymous, al-anon, and narcotics anonymous have shown to be helpful for individuals struggling with alcohol or narcotic addiction. When a loved one is struggling emotionally, you want to be there for them, but you may not be sure how to. A person who has an addiction may exhibit physical, behavioral, or psychological warning signs. Even the term feels lonely and sad, perhaps like you’re giving up on your loved one in a way. The key thing to remember is that in order for your loved one to deal with one issue, they must deal with the other. Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist/author specializing in addictions, codependency, and underlying issues such as depression, trauma, and anxiety.
By discussing codependency issues, you’ll introduce the notion that changes are required of everyone to show that recovery is possible. Fortunately, there are ways to help an addicted partner and help them recover from their addiction. But it’s important to understand that being in a relationship with an addicted person isn’t healthy. Talk to a mental health professional to determine the best time to walk away. Knowing when to give up on an addicted person is an important part of understanding addiction. Substance abuse affects everyone who cares about the addicted person.
How Drug Addiction Affects Relationships
Many develop depression and find that their interactions with the addicted person affect their future relationships. Drug addiction often alienates the addict and their loved ones. It can also damage the trust and intimacy of your relationship. People who love addicts tend to feel lonely and isolated. When those https://ecosoberhouse.com/ who love people with any type of addictive behavior finally reach out for help, they have usually been dealing with their situation for a long time. If you have been waiting to see whether things would get better without professional help, please consider getting help NOW, before things become even worse.
When loving an addict, it’s crucial to prioritize your own self-care. The stress and emotional toll of the relationship can take a significant toll on your well-being. By taking care of yourself, you become better equipped to support your partner on their journey. However, it’s vital to strike a balance between compassion and enabling destructive behavior.
Intimate Relationships & Marriage
If your loved one’s drug addiction is causing troubles daily and negatively impacting your own well-being, it might be time to reassess whether the relationship is sustainable in the long run or not. It’s not a definite or 1 for 1 absolute connection. As the partner of an addict, it’s important to recognize the challenges that lie ahead.
