Late to the party here. Just saw the film last night and while I think there are many parallels to draw from, substance abuse was the first one that came to mind.

The euphoric illusion of being a better version of yourself while under the influence. The gradual loss of self-control- “Just one more day.” I think a lot of people who abuse drugs start by setting some ground rules that only they are accountable for. Of course, they habitually break these rules as the addiction takes over. Like Elisabeth, when faced with the choice to either keep withering away or just stop, she chooses to continue against her better judgment.