Is it normal to feel *so* angry at my loved one?

self-care
mental-health
#1

And how do others deal with this emotion?

#2

I think anger is a very common emotion when dealing with a loved one with addictions. The lying is what got me the most. I was not only mad that my son lies to me but upset that he thinks so little if my intelligence that I actually believe him. But once I could separate my son from his addiction it got easier. It wasn’t my son I raised that was acting this way, it was my son in active addiction. They will do and say anything to minimize, rationalize and manipulate. My son is a pro at it. It’s also not always self-serving. Sometimes he lies because he’s ashamed, sometimes he doesn’t want me to worry. Regardless, I have come to realize that I can NOT take it personally and being angry at his addictive behavior is usually pointless. It’s an addiction because he is no longer in control of his actions and the drugs are dictating them. Not saying he gets a free pass and that I never get mad. But now it’s evolved into more of a disappointment.

#3

Agreed - disappointment is also a tough one to feel too!

#5

I’m new to this site but I can relate ! I’m dealing with so much anger and resentment. I really needed to hear this ! Thank you Lisa Marie for sharing. It’s as if I were writing it !