Dating an addict is difficult, regardless of type of addict. And being in a relationship with an addict is even more difficult, especially if you have been with your partner for a while. Here are some relationship tips for an addict to follow.
1. Know what you are getting yourself into
Before jumping head first into relationship with an addict, you need to realize what you’re getting into. I’m not going to say that you can’t be in a relationship with an addict, but it’s a hard work and you have got to be sure that you’re very careful and you don’t allow your partner to relapse.
2. Go to therapy with your partner
When you’re dating an addict, therapy is going to be a must. Going to therapy with your partner is one of the best ways to ensure that you two grow stronger and stronger and that your relationship lasts. I think that therapy can help make your relationship an unbreakable bond.
3. Understand the addiction
If you have never been an addict, you might not understand your partner’s addiction and exactly what he/she is going through. Therapy can help you understand it. If you don’t understand the addiction, you might have a lot of resentment toward your partner and this can lead to a breakup.
4. Don’t pressure
An addicted person can’t be pressured, because he/she is already constantly feeling pressured to get and stay clean. The less pressure you add on, the better it will be. Be supportive, but don’t be too overwhelming, remember this!
5. Support your partner
Being supportive is one of the most important relationship tips for an addict to follow. You cannot expect your partner to quit his/her addiction all on own, you should support him/her all of his/her progress and it will make both of you stronger in the end!
6. Let him/her vent to you
Allowing your boyfriend or girlfriend time to vent is critical when you’re dating an addict. Your partner needs to vent about his/her addiction and let you know how he/she is feeling. This will be the breaking point for both of you, whether you can let your partner vent to you. He/she doesn’t want solutions, only a common ground where he/she can use you as a sounding board.
7. Curb your speech
You shouldn’t curb your speech all of the time, but you have to do it in the beginning. Curb your tongue and don’t make any remarks that might be construed as judgments. Otherwise, you can come off as judge and make your partner even more frustrated.
Being in a relationship with an addict is hard, but it’s so worth it. Have you ever been in a relationship with an addicted person? How did you handle it? Do you have any tips? Share your thoughts, please!