Consider addiction as an abusive partner. After the novelty wears off, the dynamics and red flags of an unhealthy relationship with a substance come to light – poor communication, controlling behavior, and gaslighting, to name a few.
Addiction and Poor Communication
Addiction is not concerned with who you are as a person and certainly has no interest in emotional wellness. In fact, addiction would rather you keep quiet and suppress your feelings. Addiction does not want to be a listening ear, or to offer supportive advice. Addiction will simply give you the cold shoulder if you ask.Addiction Controls Behavior
Addiction is a selfish partner that demands all of your time and attention. It will keep you distant from your loved ones, passions, and responsibilities. It will subdue your talents. Addiction will argue that it does allow some freedoms, of course. The freedom to spend money on it, for example, and the freedom to experiment with other substances, because this is not an exclusive relationship.The Gaslighting of Addiction
Addiction wants you to doubt your ability to find purpose and meaning. It wants you to believe that this is all you are good for. Addiction would have you think that your relationship is a positive one. “I make you happy, right? I make you feel good, and I’m always here for you when you need me.”End Your Toxic Relationship With Addiction
Even when an unhealthy relationship ends, there is a time and a place to mourn. This is a natural part of the healing process and sets the stage to fully commit to the “new you.” Memories of the good ‘ole times will occasionally come to mind, but rather than entertain them, reframe your thinking to consider the memories of those not so good times – arguments with loved ones, your first DWI, when you were sick in bed due to withdrawal.Schedule a callback today and let us help you end this toxic relationship. Our unique approach, coupled with aftercare and Naltrexone therapy, has helped thousands of people free themselves from addiction.
Because you deserve better.
Erin Short, LCADC
