Part 2: Suspicion and Confirmation

SUSPICION AND CONFIRMATION 

One of the first emotions families and loved ones experience when dealing with addiction is suspicion. It usually starts with seeing changes in behavior and choices and ends with accusations and denial that become a daily cycle of crisis.  

Suspicion destroys feelings of trust. When an addict’s substance abuse is eventually confirmed, thoughts of betrayal enter the mind. The lies and manipulation suddenly become clear and anger and resentment obscure judgment. There is a cliché that is shared in various forms that states, “Trusting someone is my decision, the proving me right is their choice.” 

Trying to pack the complexity of our relationships into a cliché isn’t the answer. We are all more than the twelve words above. The only way to accept these words as truth is to stop thinking about anything except judgment and blame.