Using Your Emotions Against You

Couple with addict

Have you ever fought with someone and let your emotions get the better of you? You knew you were right at the beginning of the fight but after things got emotional, you lashed out. You ended up feeling bad about what you’d done or questioned whether you said the right thing. You think of all the things you could have said differently but it’s too late. There you are feeling as though you lost the argument even though your point wasn't even necessarily to win but to get them to see what they were doing wrong.

Addicts know the way this goes. The only difference between an addict and someone else is an addict uses this to get what they want or “need” in their eyes. This could be a place to stay for the night, some money to handle a “problem” they made up, or a ride somewhere. I have met hundreds of addicts over the years and if I have learned anything over this time, it is how adept they are at manipulating not only people but more specifically, people’s emotions.

It doesn't have to be anger or pity either. Most addicts are surprisingly charismatic and good at making friends or getting people to like them. This is probably their biggest tactic. You must keep this in mind when dealing with an addict. Stay with it, even as they upset you. Remain calm and collected so your emotions are not used against you.

Don’t be upset when they lash out. People struggling with substance abuse throw temper tantrums just like children who can’t have what they want. I know this because as embarrassing as it is to admit, I did this while under the influence. So, you have to be in control and be the one calling the shots. Someone using drugs is not in their right mind, so their decisions are what you would expect from someone in that mindset.

DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO FIND THEMSELVES HELP or EVEN DECIDE IT IS TIME TO GO TO REHAB.

Those decisions left in their hands are not much better than a death sentence. Very few addicts will survive hitting their rock bottom.

You must be in control and remain calm if your loved one is going to survive. Find out how to best help them. Call us to learn more.

AUTHOR

Aaron

Aaron has been writing drug education articles and documenting the success of the Narconon program for over two years.

NARCONON NEW LIFE RETREAT

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION