Author: Gary Jackson

How to Let Go of An Addict You Love: Knowing When Its Time To Let Go

In my case, it was hard to let go of the person I loved, because it felt very much as though alcohol had consumed that person and left nothing behind. Focus on yourself first, and the best way to do this is to let go of the lingering doubts, hatred, or anger you may feel. Finally, when you’re exploring how to let go of an addict you love, as hard as it may be you have to let go of fear. Loving an addict often means that you’re plagued with constant fear, and that can lead you to feel depressed or hopeless. You have to try and work on letting go of those feelings and taking care of yourself while moving forward. If there are complicated details in your relationship, planning can also help you sort out through these issues before the breakup.

Emphasize that the relationship is harmful to both of you and that separation is the healthiest option. Take time to plan what you want to say and anticipate how your partner might react. Be prepared for possible defensive or denial responses, and stay committed to your key points. You might have a fear that if you leave, the addicted person will go deeper into addiction or do something drastic. I felt as though I had so much left to say, but I could never tell her how I felt. While closure can come from the outside, it can also come from within.

  1. We offer a range of evidence-based addiction treatment programs designed to help individuals overcome addiction.
  2. Once you know what you want to do, communicate it clearly and make sure that both parties know what to expect.
  3. You will start to see your mind set changing as you allow yourself to be your true self.
  4. Unfortunately, learning how to let go of an addict you love is much easier said than done.

Avoiding the blame game

Prioritize your safety by creating a safety plan, and reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide emotional assistance. Everyone deserves forgiveness, and holding onto anger is only hurting yourself. This anger you feel toward the person, and the addiction that is consuming them, will make relationships harder in the future. You will feel guilty and you will be tempted to go back. You are leaving the person you love alone in the most vulnerable stage of their life.

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I had put so much of myself into my past relationship and I wasn’t sure if I could go through the heartache again. This will be the hardest decision you ever half to make, to stay or go. When you are in love and have invested your time in someone, when you start to contemplate a different life, your emotions will be like a cruel game of tug of war.

These resources can provide valuable guidance and help you through the healing process. There are plenty of reasons you might stay in a relationship with someone who’s struggling with addiction. You could also worry that ending the relationship will worsen the person’s problems. There’s very little you can do, and you certainly can’t fix the person. Addiction is a complex disease, and there’s no amount of threatening or begging that’s going to eliminate the problem.

Be firm in your decision

This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on Tiny Buddha is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional care if you believe you may have a condition. Sometimes I think we are afraid to tell people how we actually feel, but it can be necessary for our growth. You may get the response you’re hoping for, but it’s possible you won’t, and that’s okay.

Simple Strategies to Promote a Positive Workplace Environment

Unfortunately, learning how to let go of an addict you love is much easier said than done. Enabling an addict refers to behaviors or scenarios where you’re removing consequences from the behaviors of the addict. It can be as simple as lying for the person or covering for them. When you love an addict, you may constantly feel that you’re on edge, or worried when that dreaded phone call is going to come. The experience of loving an addict can be slightly different for everyone, but there are some general commonalities that most people say they experience. One small study conducted in Iran found that training in positive thinking skills improves hope and quality of life in individuals with drug dependency.

How to Let Go of An Addict You Love: Knowing When It’s Time To Let Go

When intoxicated, they may not think clearly, which can lead to erratic behavior and possibly forgetting the conversation the next day. It’s best to wait until they are sober so the conversation can be more rational and clear. Maybe you’re on the fence about breaking up with an addict, and you’re not sure whether or not it’s the right thing to do. In some cases, walking away and ending the relationship may be the healthiest choice. While you may want the best for the person, that can’t come at the cost of your own mental or even physical well-being. Equally as important, don’t forget to forgive yourself, too.

Mindfulness and Intimacy: Transform Your Relationship

Instead, start the process of loving yourself more by prioritizing your own happiness. You cannot give love or care to anyone else if you don’t love yourself first. Loving a person who has substance abuse issues can be a draining experience – emotionally, mentally, and physically. While there have been many relationships that have survived such problems, there are also circumstances wherein the only choice is to let go. This can be a heartbreaking choice and no advice or tips can make this experience less difficult. Breakups are difficult, and ending a relationship with someone struggling with addiction presents its own unique challenges.