Concern for an addicted loved one can backfire

Are you watching someone you love and care about move deeper and deeper into alcohol or drugs?  Surely you have noticed how they have changed, even though they continue to deny that there is a problem.  In fact, most alcoholics/addicts will turn their anger and frustration onto you when you even mention that you are concerned about their drinking or using.  You quickly become the target.  You may be told that you are crazy, that you are overreacting and even that you are to blame due to your constant nagging.

The alcoholic/addict tells you these things so that you will stop confronting them.  They use their aggression to get you to back off.  This reverse confrontation will sometimes make you question yourself as to whether you really are to blame.

Tags: addict, alcoholic, co-dependent