Being in a relationship with an addict is no fairytale love story. Whether the problem is with alcohol abuse, or a substance use disorder, addiction treatment is vital. Maybe you have brought up treatment programs to your partner, but are not having any luck. Learning how to break up with a drug addict can be influential and help both of you in the long run.

There’s no denying that you don’t love your partner. In fact, it is perfectly normal if your mind is racing back and forth about whether you should continue to stay or leave. The logistics of how to let go of a drug addict can be overwhelming. Our drug rehab near Dallas has some suggestions on what to do if you are dating an addict. We want to see you live your life to the fullest potential.

How Addiction Affects Relationships

Substance abuse disorders affect far more than just the addict themselves. Their family members are probably hurting, and too often, it’s their romantic partners who suffer the most. Usually, drug addicts deny and lie about their addiction, and also try to cover it up. Drug abuse in a relationship can lead to losing trust within your partner. A partnership is supposed to be 50/50, but in reality they are putting the addiction before you.

Enabling alcohol or drug abuse isn’t true love. The fear of losing your partner is what prompts enabling behavior. This behavior could be paying their rent portion because they spent their money on illegal drugs. Or rather taking the blame for something that was entirely their fault after they have taken illicit drugs.

You want to protect them from danger, but in fact, you prevent your partner from learning the risk factors addiction comes with. The realization that you cannot save them by staying is the first step of how to leave a drug addict.

How to Help a Drug Addict

Let go of feelings of guilt and blame

Pulling the plug on the relationship might seem like a selfish thing to do. You have feelings of guilt that their addiction could get worse if you walk away. It is important to let go of any feelings of guilt and blame you have about leaving. Remember that it is not your fault if your loved one cannot maintain sobriety, even if they have tried attending rehab.

Yes, the breakup could trigger your partner’s drug-seeking afterward, but staying will not heal the addiction. Understand that you are not personally responsible for what happens after the breakup. Although, you do have a responsibility to keep your mental health happy and healthy.

Plan ahead

There is never a perfect time to break up with a drug addict, but there are better times than others. If you are going to break up with an addict, try to do so when they are sober. Their emotions will become more heightened than usual if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If your loved one’s addiction tends to make them angry easily or lash out, it is best to break up in a public place. An area where other people are around is safer, especially if you have any safety concerns for yourself. In the past, if they have been violent towards you, or make any threats during the breakup, reach out for help. This should not be taken lightly, and you should contact the police if need be

Be firm in your decision

Going into the breakup, expect that there will be convincing promises that your partner will try to change. The feeling of wanting to give them another chance is entirely normal. An individual might say to themselves, “Am I being too hard on them, should I put off the breakup?” Doubts like this should be dealt with beforehand; that way when it comes time, you can be firm about it.

While standing strong next to the decision, it can be easy to point fingers and reference that their addiction is the only problem. Addiction is a chronic disease, and they do not have complete control over their actions. Not to say drug abuse is an excuse for bad behavior. The best thing to do is to tell them the break up is what is best for yourself, and for both of them in the long run.

Find yourself a support system

Getting out of an unhealthy relationship without a support system could be very difficult. Find a support system such as a support group, therapist, or family and friends, to talk about your situation. This way, the breakup won’t have to be dealt with internally all by yourself.

For a lot of people, having a support system after dating a drug addict can be a turning point. Others are able to understand your situation and help you get through tough times. A support system can help the individual by reminding them to put themselves as a priority to stay sane. Seeking therapy for your struggles and attending support groups can be beneficial to coping with a breakup.

Seek Professional Help and Support

The best way to help yourself when loving a drug addict is not by staying in the relationship. Exactly how to break up with a drug addict can be tough and complicated. You should continue to try to help them seek substance abuse treatment as well. Know that your partner cannot be completely sober on their own because of withdrawal symptoms they may experience.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that addiction is just like other diseases. Meaning, if left untreated, it can last a lifetime and may lead to death. At Riverwalk Ranch near Dallas, Texas, our rehab center can help achieve long-term recovery. Our inpatient rehab and outpatient program is designed to help addicts recover and live a happy, healthy life.

Give us a call today if your loved one or someone you know is battling an alcohol or drug addiction.