This is "YOUR ADDICT ISN'T WHO YOU ARE," which is Chapter Three of "The Addict's Guide to Recovery" by Emily Sussman, LCSW; illustrated by J.E. Larson. ❤️‍🩹

"Personally, I think of My Addict as a toxic ex-boyfriend I’ve got to stay the hell away from. When life gets dull or difficult, it’s tempting to think back wistfully on the good times we shared: the excitement, the pleasure, and the escape from reality.

But whenever the thought of my toxic ex starts to seem all sexy and romantic again, I have to remind myself of all the pain he caused me. How he was never okay with me just being myself. How he always wanted me to be someone with no feelings, no needs, and no control over the direction of our relationship. How we went around and around in cycles of codependent craziness, coming up against the same dead ends every time.

I have to remember that even though My Addict may always be lurking around, trying to tempt me to come back, that doesn’t mean I should go back. My Addict will always be the same sleazy, loveless asshole he always was, a pretty parasite happy to exploit me for his own selfish gain.

I know that’s pretty damning as far as metaphors go, but that’s the point. You already know that Your Addict isn’t pretty. My point is that Your Addict isn’t you."

❤️

THE ADDICT'S GUIDE TO RECOVERY by Emily Sussman, LCSW, is available on Amazon in paperback and eBook (Kindle).

Copyright 2025 Freedom Recovery Press.

For MUCH more, visit theaddictsguidetotheuniverse.com

Sent with True Love from the Universe ❤️💫