Addiction is a powerful disease that can result in all boundaries being crossed. No matter what the addiction is, it is important to understand how to love and live with your partner. There isn’t necessarily a textbook way to handle it, but some things can be done to make the relationship smoother.

It is important to understand that not only is this a struggle that they have, but it can be a true obstacle for relationships. Dating someone who is battling an addiction can often feel like a roller coaster of emotions. It can even feel like it will never come to an end. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a healthy and loving relationship. It may take time and patience, but in the end, your partner will love and appreciate your effort.

The Signs

Addiction has so many faces to a point where it may be difficult to pinpoint when it’s present. Some people may be battling addiction, and no one in their life will notice any signs or symptoms. If you notice some signs, they might not be as obvious as you will see on television. Chances are you will begin to notice some signs over some time. There may be periods where your loved one seems distant or absent-minded. There are also some physical signs to look out for. Changes in appetite, personal hygiene, slurred speech, and large pupils are just a few of the physical signs you may notice.

How You Can Help Your Partner

Educate yourself on what addiction is. This will be the first step in gaining the power to help your partner. Realize that you are not alone in your struggle of dating someone who is struggling with an addiction. Even when you get professional support, you can do very specific and helpful things that will benefit you and your partner in the long run.

There are several different types of support groups specifically for the family and friends of people with an addiction. Try to make it a part of your routine to attend these support groups to learn how to best help your partner. These types of 12 step programs can help you when you feel like the problems at hand are getting out of control. Support from the right group of people can help preserve your well-being as well as the relationship.

Setting Boundaries

When you are dating someone with an addiction, you may notice that boundaries are always getting crossed. Often boundaries will get crossed amongst the people that love them the most. This is something that shouldn’t be taken personally. Although you shouldn’t take their actions to heart, you should still set some clear boundaries.

Take the time to figure out what your boundaries need to be, and then keep your partner up to date on your boundaries. Don’t just set boundaries; these boundaries should come with consequences if they are not respected. Also, remember that no one is obligated to stay in a relationship with someone battling addiction.

Help Them Help You

There are plenty of ways to help your partner who is struggling with an addiction. Make an effort to have conversations about their wellbeing. How they feel in a moment in time can directly affect you and how you feel. You know where they are mentally or emotionally will make it easier for you to gauge what they need. Before you have this type of conversation, make sure they are in the right state of mind and cover. It’s not uncommon for someone who has an addiction to react to your help defensively or angrily. In the heat of the moment, it may be hard not to react inappropriately.

If you would like to gain the complete trust of your partner, do some research on their addiction and not only figure out what you can do but what type of professional help they need. Once you share this information with them, they can have tangible evidence of your effort, and it can give them the inspiration they need to cut through. Your partner’s realization that they aren’t in this alone will be a boost for them.

In this time of need, you may be attempting to find a therapist and professionals for your loved ones. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Take the time to see a therapist. Your mental health might take a few shots in the process of helping your loved one, and it can be easy to forget about your own needs.

The signs of addiction may look different for everyone. If you are noticing signs, you must communicate your concern with them in the best way that you can. If your partner is battling an addiction, they will need a strong support system to get them through their hard times. Do not ignore the signs and systems; your actions can help or hurt your loved one. This means you have the power to change their lives for the better. If you notice that your loved one has had a change in behavior or appetite that you deem harmful, there are professionals who can help. Facilitates like Kimberly Center can help you and your loved ones navigate through these potential tough times. Kimberly Center specializes in helping people just like you and your family. Addiction can be difficult to handle alone, but with a combination of professional help, a change can be made. Contact us at (855) 452-3683.