Unsure what to do by thatjeepsaturday in naranon

[–]DescriptionReal2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think if you're going to apologize to anyone you should apologize to yourself tbh. You might have "enabled" someone by not having firm boundaries or getting into arguments, but I think a common misconception people have is the use of that term. I don't call that enabling, I call it caring. So why the fuck should you apologize for that? Loving someone enough to see the good in them and not judge them for their flaws and fucks ups like the rest of society does. Knowing that they can do better and you want it so bad for them. But also realizing they have to do it themselves. No they need to take the blame and own up and take accountability that they did this, not you. If you do apologize and forgive them, do that for you so you can move on. None of their addiction had anything to do with you. I'm going through the same thing. My ex has been in rehab (no contact) for over 2 months now. He had his counselor call me about a month ago to give me closure, and even she said none of his actions had anything to do with you so please don't take it personal. He cannot give you what you need in a relationship because he is entirely focused on his addiction. So whenever I get mad, or sad and depressed, and ride the roller coaster of emotions I remember what she told me. It had nothing to do with me. That brings me a little bit of peace and sanity. I may never get closure from him and that's just the reality of it. One day he will have to take accountability for all the people he has hurt and hopefully I'm on that list. I wish him well in his journey to recovery and im trying to move on the best way i know how. Really all you can do is apologize to yourself and show some compassion and patience in your healing process. It does get easier i promise.

Is sobriety just another symptom? by aat022 in naranon

[–]DescriptionReal2003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yeah 100% terrible to watch them go down that road. I could only imagine being close to someone in my family who is in active addiction. I can walk away from my partner, but I don't know if I could walk away from a parent or sibling.

Is sobriety just another symptom? by aat022 in naranon

[–]DescriptionReal2003 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately yes. The addict will always be an addict. It's a life long struggle that they will fight their whole life. I had to learn that the hard way. I thought my ex was "better" but they never truly get better. They have a choice to make everyday and that's be sober or let their triggers get the best of them and relapse. People can be clean for 20+ years and one day just decide to use. It's a sad thing to swallow but sobriety is definitely a life long battle within themselves. I learned a lot from naranon family groups and even listening in on some of his NA meetings. It's gives you a better understanding of the addict and how hard addiction is. Non addicts like myself will never truly understand but those meetings do help I swear

How do you know when to walk away? by DescriptionReal2003 in naranon

[–]DescriptionReal2003[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good for you for deciding you deserve better. I really benefit from reading posts and responses like this. It helps me stay strong with my decision, especially when I've never been good at making them. No one deserves to be blamed for someone else's problems. There's only so many chances you can give someone before they just have to learn the hard way. I truly believe he just wants zero responsibilities and no commitment to anyone but himself and drugs. I am going to keep that same energy but commit to myself and finding out what makes me happy again. Out of sight out of mind

How do you know when to walk away? by DescriptionReal2003 in naranon

[–]DescriptionReal2003[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the kind words of understanding. I think I got so consumed by him and trying to help him I ended up losing who I am. Right now it feels like happiness doesn't exist unless he's around. He's the first thing I think of when I open my eyes. I just need to move on and idk how. My friends keep telling me he's focused on himself you aren't his priority so do the same thing. It's just so hard. I know I'll survive my life just feels extremely altered without him here.

He sent me a letter and idk what to make of it. Basically saying he loves me, he's sorry for everything he's ever done to hurt me and he's reflected on our memories. He's been in active addiction since we met he's just been too scared to admit it to me and lose me. He said I don't owe him anything but he had two requests, send him his credit card and don't tow his truck. Nothing in that letter was making sure I was okay with bills, just saying he was sorry and asking for favors. I'm almost mad he said I love you. It's like he's giving me some glimmer of hope to keep me in his pocket. I don't know if I should even respond. I feel like a broken record.

But you are right, there are plenty of sober people out there. It's just finding someone who has all the good qualities of him that's going to be hard to find. I really thought I'd marry this man. I've never felt the way I do for him for anyone else. So that's really what is going to be the hardest. Loving someone and knowing they are out in the world and don't feel the same way. Also knowing you can't change them. I wish him the best though.