By Charlotte Webster-
Drug free partners of class A addicts need counselling in many cases because of the strain they often pose on the relationship.
Partners of class A addicts who are not on drugs themselves can end up in the unhappy position of enduring all the trouble that comes with the misfortune of being an addict’s partner. This often means having to support the habit of their partners or having their money stolen to feed their habit. One of the most challenging aspects is when an innocent and loving woman who just wants a happy family is unlucky to be with a silly immature man that won’t let the drugs go.
Many women become trapped in the cycle of their partner’s selfish and consumed lifestyle of prioritising a drug habit over their relationship or family life. The problem is more heart breaking when children are involved. No matter how many times the mother of the children stresses the importance of being around to support the children physically or financially, it seems to fall on deaf ears. Women who end up with loosers like this either did not inquire about their partner’s habit before entering into the relationship, or it wasn’t an issue to consider t the time. It becomes an issue when
The addict would rather spend time with their fellow addicts, piping the self destructive drug that needs a constant refilling to chase the last high. What a curse to be hooked in love with an addict who loves the drug more than their lover or family.
Women side lined because of the habit of an addict partner can easily develop mental health illness because 0f the anger, rejection, and feeling of helplessness that comes with their experience. Endless criticism of their addict partner is never enough in reality if the cycle is ongoing. Many sharp women who won’t stand for it eventually wake and give men like that a choice. You must ‘choose the drugs or me.’ They go with whatever follows.
Partners caught up in these type of circumstances will generally need therapy to help them move on form their problems, but not many pursue it. The psychological effects on the mind can be damaging without good quality counselling. Serious paranoia about cheating will often occur because it will usually be happening. It often goes hand in hands with drug addiction. Sharon Myer from Leytonstone, who put up with a crack and heroin addict for 2 years before loosing him eventually told The Eye Of Media.Com:
” I lied to myself for too long that my boyfriend will change, but things only got worse. He continued to ask for more and more money for drugs, then soon started to go into my purse without my permission to steal my cash. He would stay nights and come back when he wants, and I always foolishly took him back. I could never figure out why I did that. It took me over a year to realize that he wouldn’t change, but it was too late by then. I found out he had been cheating on me the whole time”.
Therapist Anna Marshall like many therapists uses the Cognitive Behavioual theory (CBT), narrative and psychodynamic approaches. CBT helps when dealing with particular thoughts and behaviours and different approaches work with various relationships . She said: ” women in these situations need to reflect on their how they got to the point they are and move on from it once they have acknoweledged what lessons they can learn from any mistakes they have made.
Demand for access to therapies such as massage, exercise, meditation and acupuncture can help reduce high stress levels.
Image: drugs.free.com