There are a lot of different relationship tips for an addict relationship, but what ones do you actually need to follow? Dating an addict is hard, no matter what type of addict it is. Being in a relationship with an addict can be even harder, especially if you've been with that person for a while. If you're wondering exactly what relationship tips for an addict to follow, you've got to take a look below. I've got everything from getting into a support group to allowing your partner time to vent.
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1. Be Supportive
I think one of the most important relationship tips for an addict to follow is all about being supportive. You can't expect your boyfriend or girlfriend to quit their addiction all on their own, they will need a support system and if you are going to stick around, you've got to be that for them. Support them and all of their progress and it'll make you both stronger in the end!
2. Don't Pressure
An addict cannot be pressured, as they are already constantly feeling pressured, especially in the beginning, to get and stay clean. The less pressure that you add on, the better off you are going to be. Remember, supporting doesn't mean that you have to be overwhelming.
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3. Curb Your Tongue
I'm not saying that you need to curb your tongue all of the time, but in the beginning, curbing your speech and not making any remarks that could be construed as judgments is going to be really smart. You don't want to come off as judgy and you don't want to make your partner even more frustrated.
4. Allow Your Partner Time to Vent
Allowing your partner time to vent is going to be critical when you are in a relationship with an addict. They need to vent about their addiction, they need to let you know how they are feeling. This will honestly be the breaking point for you and your partner – whether you can just let them vent to you. They don't typically want solutions, just a common ground where they can use you as a sounding board.
5. Go to Therapy Together
Therapy is going to be a must when you are dating an addict, but why don't you try going to therapy with them? That's a great way to ensure that your relationship lasts and that you two grow stronger and stronger. Truthfully, I think that therapy is a great help and can really make sure that your relationship is an unbreakable bond.
6. Understand the Addiction
Therapy will also help you understand their addiction. If you've never been an addict, you probably don't understand their addiction and exactly what they are going through. This can cause a lot of resentment and can actually lead to breakups, if you let it.
7. Know What You Are Getting into
Before you jump head first into a relationship with an addict, you've got to know what you are getting yourself into. Being in a relationship with an addict is incredible, but it is a lot of work and you've got to make sure that you are careful and you don't allow them to relapse.
8. Have a Support Group Yourself
Finally, a support group for you, with people who are in a relationship with an addict could save you! A support group like this is a great way for you to vent and for you to get things off of your chest, without your partner finding out!
While being in a relationship with an addict can be really difficult, it is so worth it in the end. Have you ever been in a relationship with an addict? How did you handle it? Tell me!
Comments
Liz: This is a GREAT article but I would just like to add that SOME (not all) addicts are not at a point of being capable of love and it's a good idea to have an escape plan if things go sour. Once they start lying and stealing from you they are prioritizing a substance over you and it's important to have enough self respect to leave a relationship when this happens. You may love them and it hurts, but letting someone get away with shady behavior like that is called ENABLING. Sometimes a person must lose everything before they realize they need help. You can't force someone into recovery. It is possible to love and be loved by an addict and these are good tips, but don't sacrifice your life for someone!
Kathy: I'm not in a love relationship with a addict so on that level I may not completely understand but my son is a recovering addict, he's been clean and sober for a while now, I see a difference in him a big difference, he's more mature, trying harder at this recovery this time then ever before, he was using on and off for about 10 years and he and our family have been to hell and back I would never ever wish it on anyone. But today he has completed goals, and has many more goals and dreams then he's had in a long time. We are so proud of him, but yes for a girlfriend, boyfriend, husband and wife it can be a very hard road. But what will make it better and easier to understand the disease is all of these tips, thank you so much for this article. And I believe the part about that the relationship can be incredible comes from when the addict gets help and gets clean and sober and they both get help in the relationship thank you again, ;)"
Lauren: It depends on the addict and yourself. Sometimes girls can be co-dependent and that's an addiction as well. If the person has stayed sober at least a year and has done some spiritual work on themselves, give it a go, otherwise, beware! Addicts can be scandalous. Believe me, I'm a recovering addict myself.
Victoria: I'm in love with an addict, We have a 6 month old baby boy, times are tough right now and I have lost all hope..the drugs won. hardest thing to do is watch someone you love let something take over their life and control them.
Leanna: I date an addict for over a year and unfortunately no matter what you do you cannot help . Me and my boyfriend did all of that stuff mentioned in the article , and sadly none of it helped . The person has to want the addiction to stop or all will fail .
Marina: I used to date a heroine addict, and the withdrawals were terrible on her, to the point where she thought she was dying...
Kim: It can be incredible... At times. My partner is an alcoholic. Took me ages to realise. I think one big point to note is that these changes don't happen overnight. Five years later we are still working at it. He's just joined the gym! Another step forward :) you can't help who you fall in love with!!!
Lindsey: My hubby and I are both recovering addicts. We started the recovery process together and we've helped each other through ever since. It really helps when you can relate to each other and know what the other person is going through.
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