I believe that’s called emotional baggage, and we all have it.
Our relationships are our addiction. I once counted the days I managed to get back without him.. it’s toxic. and despite breaking away, I am still here now dealing with an onslaught of messages and communication from him. An addict will never let the good things go in their lives, any more than they will let the drugs go. When they sense you are breaking away, they panic. You are like a comfort blanket they take for granted will always be there.
All of this, is the toughest thing I’ve ever dealt with, and I’ve lost family to cancer and a nearly successful suicide attempt from someone close to me.
Dealing with an addict is the toughest thing you can ever do.