Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain and behavior, leading to the compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences. When a person becomes addicted, their relationships often suffer, as substance use takes priority over everything else, including their partner. Understanding the nature of addiction is the first step in addressing its impact on your relationship.

Signs You’re Dating an Addict

Identifying addiction in a romantic partner is not always straightforward. Many people struggling with substance abuse try to hide their problems from those closest to them, which can make it difficult to recognize. However, there are several telltale signs that may indicate your partner is battling addiction.

Physical Signs:

• Changes in appearance: Dramatic weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, or changes in grooming habits.
• Frequent health issues: Unexplained headaches, nausea, or frequent illnesses.
• Dilated or constricted pupils: This is often a sign of drug use.
• Track marks or skin issues: For those using intravenous drugs, there may be visible signs on their arms or other areas of their body.

Behavioral Signs:

• Secretive behavior: If your partner frequently lies about where they’ve been or what they’ve been doing, it may be a sign they’re hiding drug or alcohol use.
• Mood swings: Emotional instability, frequent irritability, or depression are common in people struggling with addiction.
• Neglecting responsibilities: A sudden decline in work performance or failure to meet family obligations may signal a deeper issue.
• Financial issues: Unexplained money problems, borrowing money, or selling personal items could indicate that your partner is funding an addiction.

The Impact of Addiction on Relationships

Addiction can have a significant effect on romantic relationships. As the person’s substance use takes center stage, their ability to maintain healthy relationships diminishes. Here are some ways addiction can strain a partnership:

1. Loss of trust: Repeated lies, broken promises, and secretive behavior can erode trust between partners, leading to feelings of betrayal.
2. Emotional manipulation: Addicts may engage in manipulative behavior to protect their addiction. This could involve guilt trips, blaming you for their issues, or making excuses for their substance use.
3. Neglect and isolation: Addiction can lead individuals to isolate themselves from their loved ones, leaving their partner feeling lonely and disconnected.
4. Financial strain: Supporting an addiction can be costly, leading to financial instability within the relationship. This strain can cause stress and conflict, further damaging the relationship.

Supporting a Partner with Addiction

If your partner is struggling with addiction, you may feel torn between wanting to help them and needing to protect yourself. While it’s important to be supportive, it’s equally important to set boundaries and ensure your well-being. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Establish Boundaries

Creating clear boundaries is essential in maintaining a healthy relationship with someone battling addiction. Boundaries can help you protect yourself from the negative effects of your partner’s substance use while also encouraging them to seek help. For example, you may set a boundary that you won’t lend them money or allow them to use substances in your home.

2. Avoid Enabling Behavior

Enabling happens when your actions unintentionally support your partner’s addiction. This can include making excuses for their behavior, covering up their mistakes, or giving them money. While it may feel like you’re helping, enabling only allows the addiction to continue. Instead, encourage them to seek professional treatment and avoid behaviors that perpetuate their substance use.

3. Encourage Professional Help

Addiction is a complex disease that often requires professional treatment. Encourage your partner to seek help from a drug and alcohol treatment center like AspenRidge Recovery. Addiction treatment programs can provide the tools and support needed for recovery. Offer to help them research treatment options or accompany them to a consultation.

4. Seek Support for Yourself

Dealing with a partner’s addiction can be overwhelming. It’s important to take care of your own mental and emotional health. Consider joining a support group like Al-Anon, which is specifically designed for the friends and family members of people struggling with addiction. Additionally, seeing a therapist can help you process your feelings and navigate the challenges of being in a relationship with someone battling addiction.

When to Consider Walking Away

While supporting a loved one through addiction is admirable, there may come a time when staying in the relationship is no longer healthy for you. If your partner refuses to seek help, continues to engage in harmful behavior, or if the relationship becomes toxic or abusive, it may be time to walk away. Remember that you cannot force someone to change; they have to want recovery for themselves.

Leaving a relationship with an addict can be painful, but sometimes it’s necessary for your own well-being. Prioritize your safety, seek guidance from a counselor, and know that it’s okay to let go if the relationship is doing more harm than good.

Protecting Yourself When Dating an Addict

According to WellMind.com, it’s a natural tendency to want to help your partner avoid the devastating consequence of drug addiction. It is important to recognize and avoid enabling behaviors, and many romantic partners often carry the burden of guilt associated with addiction. Studies have found that verbalizing your feelings can help alleviate feelings of stress, anger, and pain.

Other tips to protect yourself from watching a love one battle addiction:

• Boost your emotional health by surrounding yourself with things and people you care about.
• Start learning about the disease of addiction.
• Let go of regret and find resources that may help you discover self-compassion.
• Set boundaries for yourself and stick with them.

Last but not least, it’s important to reach out for help. It is always a good idea to see a therapist regularly and/or find a support group in your area that can be your outlet for processing what addiction is and how it can impact your life.

Getting Help at AspenRidge Recovery

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, AspenRidge Recovery can help. Our evidence-based addiction treatment programs are designed to address both the substance use disorder and any underlying mental health issues, providing comprehensive care for individuals and their families. We offer a range of services, including:

• PHP Day Program
• 5-Day Intensive Outpatient Program
• 3-Day Intensive Outpatient Program
• AspenRidge Hybrid & Virtual Care

At AspenRidge Recovery, we believe in treating addiction with compassion and understanding. Our experienced staff is here to guide you and your loved one through the recovery process. Contact us today at 855-281-5588 to learn more about our programs and how we can help.