Advice for Letting Go of a Loved One Struggling with Addiction
Dealing with a loved one’s addiction is tough. It can feel overwhelming and confusing. You want to help, but sometimes helping can make things worse. Here are some practical steps to consider.
Understand the Situation
Your partner has struggled with addiction for a long time. You have a long history together, and you share three kids. This makes it hard to let go. However, it is important to recognize that addiction affects not just the person using drugs but everyone around them.
Silence Can Be Healthy
People say going silent might be the best choice. This is because reaching out can sometimes enable the addiction. Enabling means you make it easier for someone to keep using drugs. If you support them financially or emotionally while they are not ready to change, it may delay their recovery.
Focus on Your Well-being
- Take Care of Yourself: Your health matters. Make sure you eat well, sleep enough, and talk to friends or family about how you feel.
- Set Boundaries: Decide what you are comfortable with. If you feel that giving money or support will hurt you or your kids, it is okay to say no.
- Seek Support: Join a support group for families of people with addiction. This can help you feel less alone and provide tools to cope.
Consider the Kids
Think about how your partner’s addiction affects your children. They need stability and safety. Protecting them should be a priority. Talk to them about what they see, at an age-appropriate level. Kids can sense when something is wrong and may need reassurance.
Encourage Professional Help
If your partner reaches out after their time in jail, encourage them to get help. This could mean going to rehab or attending support groups like Narcotics Anonymous. Real change often requires professional support.
Take Your Time
Letting go takes time. You’ve invested many years into this relationship. It is normal to feel sad, angry, or confused. Allow yourself to feel these emotions. Healing is a process, and it’s okay to take it one day at a time.
Conclusion
Leaving a loved one who struggles with addiction is hard. Focusing on your well-being and setting boundaries can help. Remember, you deserve to be happy and healthy. Your partner must find their way to recovery on their own. You cannot fix them, but you can take care of yourself and your kids.