Being in love with an addict does not mean that you are weak

Loving an addict isn’t easy. But, how come you are viewed by others and by yourself that you are weak for not leaving? Read here, if you are facing a dilemma.

4
minute read

Spouses of addicts are the strongest people

If you are in a relationship with an addict and cannot let them go, this does not mean you are a weak person. The reason you cannot leave may have more to do with personal underlying issues that you are not facing. But the husbands and wives of addicts are some of the strongest people in the world.

How strong are you to love and keep a relationship with an addict? Why do people mistake it for weakness? We discuss these terms and review different perspectives, here. At the end, we welcome you to join the discussion by posting in the designated section. We will answer all questions personally and as soon as possible.

Weakness or co-addiction?

I always assumed that because I loved an addict and could not leave that I was weak. I felt like every person around me was stronger than me. I was married to and in love with an addict and I could not let him go. I wanted to turn over a new leaf with him and believe his every promise. I was willing to do anything. I sat by and watched things I know no one else would tolerate.

Some definitions and translations of the term “weak” are:

  • lacking the power to perform physical tasks
  • not able to fulfill functions properly
  • breaking under pressure, lack of character
  • lack of enthusiasm or energy

This does not define a person who is living with an addict in the least. Often known as co-addiction, taking on a relationship with an addict requires strength, perseverance, and die hard loyalty. In fact, the definition of a co-addict is quite the opposite of “weakness”. Co-addicts:

  1. Co-addicts perform mentally and physically exhausting tasks on their own to make up for their loved one’s absence in a household.
  2. Co-addicts have to fulfill many functions. They sometimes head the household and make up for the loss of a partner in executing the daily tasks of supporting a household. They even act as single parents due to the lack of parenting on the part of the addict.
  3. Co-addicts work best under pressure because of the strain of the active addict. They have to be aware and sharp at all times. When the addict gets out of control or when they have to take on extra responsibilities they have to juggle many balls in the air at the same time.
  4. Co-addicts have more character than anyone I know. They do not give up and they persist and persevere because they are adamant in helping the person they love. Co-addicts are of distinguished character because they are usually moral, ethical, honest and concerned ultimately with the safety and well-being of those they love.
  5. Co-addicts ooze energy and enthusiasm because their job of taking on multiple roles is endless. They try to be a cheerleader every time the addict says they want to get sober. They are continually being supportive and forgiving.

The strength of people in love with addicts

Those of us who choose an addict as a partner do not realize how strong we really are.

  1. We can do what most deem impossible.
  2. We endure physical, emotional, mental and spiritual pain and betrayal but continue to wake up each day to support our families.
  3. We put on a brave face when others would be crumbling into little pieces.
  4. We can handle more than our share and take on the roles of mother, father, friend, nurturer, caregiver, wage earner, cook, housekeeper, counselor, protector, expert at dealing with any crisis, nurse, and the responsible party in our relationships.
  5. Our energy, will, character, power, courage, and ability to do things that most people will not do for another human being are beyond measure.

These qualities are simply misplaced with the addict but eventually we learn that the weight of the addict is not allowing us to fulfill our real purpose. The addict is constantly trying to take what is good and turn it against us. Their addiction is like heaviness on our chest. If we can set ourselves free from this situation the strength and courage can be re-channeled back to us where it belongs.

There are reasons that we enter into co-addiction that require resolution. Due sometimes to underlying issues and insecurities that have nothing to do with the addict, a co-addict chooses an unhealthy relationship. Even though you know that a person is an addict…you do not give up. More here on how to intervene with an addict so that they hear your message.

As the partner of an addict, sometimes we do not give ourselves enough credit. Instead, we bow our heads in shame at how weak we are. The truth is that no ordinary person could take on this role. However, becoming co-addicted is a sign of issues which require work on yourself.

Got any questions about loving an addict?

If you would like to ask a question or share your story with others, feel free to post them in the comments section below. We try to respond to all legitimate inquiries with a personal and prompt response.

About the author
Amanda Andruzzi, MPH, AADP, CHES, is a Certified Health Coach, founder of Symptom-Free Wellness, and the author of Hope Street. Her first book, Hope Street memoir is an inspirational story of one woman's frightening journey of co-addiction that led her to uncover courage, unbelievable strength and overcome great adversity. She resides with her daughter, husband, and two sons in Florida.
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