Does Your Addicted Loved One Hate You
Unmasking Addiction: Why Your Loved One May See You as the Enemy
Does your addicted loved one hate you? It might sometimes feel that way, and the answer is a complex blend of yes and no. In this post, let's unravel the layers, dive into the dynamics, and uncover the truth behind these tumultuous emotions.
Understanding the Addiction Persona
Picture your loved one's addiction as a little devil perched on their shoulder—a metaphorical monster mouth whispering persuasive narratives. This addiction monster does perceive you as the enemy because it recognizes that you hold the key to the truth. Its mission is to keep your loved one oblivious to reality, maintaining control over the narrative.
The Role of Guilt in the Battle Against Addiction
The adversary of addiction is guilt, an uncomfortable emotion signaling wrongdoing. When your addicted loved one interacts with you, there's an awareness or fear that you see through the facade. Guilt creeps in, and here's where the addiction monster goes to work.
The Manipulative Tactics of Addiction
To shield your loved one from guilt, the addiction monster employs manipulation. It feeds their mind with justifications like "you deserve it" or "they're overreacting." The goal is to divert attention from the real issue—guilt for deceitful behaviors.
Provocation and Fishhooks: Playing the Game
Addiction plays a game of provocation, throwing out verbal fishhooks—temptations for you to react emotionally. Recognizing your triggers, addiction maneuvers your loved one into pushing your buttons, making you play the role it wants you to play.
Resisting the Bad Guy Role
The key to dismantling the power of addiction lies in refusing to play the assigned role. By not succumbing to provocations and fishhooks, you strip away the control the addiction has over your loved one. Maintaining composure and refusing to engage in the game weakens the hold of denial.
Empowering Yourself with "Say This Not That"
Download the "Say This Not That" PDF to navigate these challenging situations. This resource offers concise statements to help you avoid the bad guy role and disempower the addiction monster's influence.
Next Steps: Breaking Free
By understanding the dynamics at play and refusing to be manipulated, you can reclaim control over your interactions with your addicted loved one. Check out the linked video for additional insights on staying out of the bad guy role, and remember, the path to healing involves asserting your narrative.
Amber Hollingsworth
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