This could mean physically leaving the environment where they are using or refusing to take calls or texts when they’re under the influence. What can often begin as recreational drug use then becomes a full-blown addiction, and someone who was once loving and engaged will become distant, selfish and only concerned with getting their next fix of the drug. Addiction can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment, encompassing therapy, medication, and support groups. Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an expert and author on relationships and codependency. You can’t take care of your partner by neglecting your personal needs.
You Feel It Is Your Responsibility to Solve Your Partner’s Problems.
Understanding addiction and recovery is crucial when dealing with an addict. It is important to recognize the nature of addiction, which is a disease that affects the brain and behavior. Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. By understanding this, we can empathize with our partner and realize that addiction is a medical condition. However, it is equally important to prioritize your own well-being and practice self-care.
Lifestyle
Our main thesis will be that on either understanding of love-as-addiction, there is a reasonable case to be made that, in some instances, “treatment” of love could be justified or even desirable. We will also argue that respecting the lovers’ autonomy should be paramount in any treatment decision. Along the way, we will entertain some possible objections to our views, as well as offer our replies. Psychotherapy can be an effective method for individuals with problematic behaviors around love to learn how to better manage their trauma responses, especially in the presence of any triggers. Here are a few possible treatments for love addiction that may support your recovery. While you can’t actually be “addicted” to love, you can certainly become emotionally dependent on romantic relationships so much that it negatively affects your well-being.
What If We Both Have an Addiction?
Yet, to an outsider, it may appear confusing as to why someone would stay in a relationship with a person who struggles with addiction. However, codependency is nuanced, and every couple needs to address their struggles with codependency and substance use disorders in their own way. Sometimes, no matter what you do to support your partner, their substance use has progressed to the point where they are unable to make rational decisions to cease their substance use. It may be necessary to seek legal assistance to save your loved one’s life. Partners can look into civil commitment laws (e.g. sectioning) within their state, to explore involuntarily sending your partner to treatment.
- These resources can provide invaluable guidance and assistance throughout the recovery process, helping both partners navigate the challenges they face and work towards a healthier, more loving relationship.
- Luckily, for addicts who do agree to treatment, relationships may be salvageable.
- This focus on self-care brought balance and stability to her relationship with the addict, while also prioritizing her own happiness and well-being.
- “Love addiction” may feel like an addiction, but it’s not recognized as a clinical term and cannot be medically diagnosed.
- They also became part of a community art class, which allowed Sarah’s partner to channel their energy into a creative outlet.
Seeking Support from Others
- Finally, if your loved one is open to it, help them seek out resources that could potentially help them in their journey toward recovery.
- With the right support and necessary resources, individuals can overcome these challenges and find a sense of balance and stability in their lives.
- Remember, prioritizing your well-being is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life.
- You should also try to find things that you enjoy doing for yourself, and you should work on creating the life that you want without the inclusion of the addict.
- Identifying your reasons can help you to move through the process in a thoughtful way.
- Once you stop your enabling behaviors, you can then begin to truly help your loved one.
Addiction is a complex disease, and there’s no amount of threatening or begging that’s going to eliminate the problem. Instead, one of the best things you can being in love with an addict do when you love an addict is making sure you’re not enabling them. Consider individual therapy to address your own emotions, boundaries, and challenges.
- Remember to set healthy boundaries for yourself, seek out appropriate resources and support, and don’t forget to take time for yourself.
- Engaging in self-care activities and seeking support from others who understand your situation can provide the necessary emotional support and guidance.
- Incorporating couples therapy and family therapy into the recovery process can be valuable tools for both partners as they work to rebuild their emotional connection and create a more loving, supportive environment.
- In this section, we’ll discover the different avenues you can explore to find the support and guidance you need.
- Remember, commitment from both partners is essential for successful addiction recovery.
