I’m sort of lucky in that the manipulation, or attempt at manipulation, was fairly clumsy. So I could easily recognize it, even if I may still have given him money.
I did raise it with him, too. Not that he thinks he was being actively manipulative.
Regardless, we had a long talk last night about his abuse, how it’s impacting both of us. He said he would at least cut down. Was I a bit silly to believe him? Turns out he was almost immediately on to trying to find another dealer.
He said he might be visiting a friend this weekend who’s going through suicidal thoughts. But according to a mutual friend, no such plans. I’m shocked how quickly it’s gone from downplaying to active deception. And now I’m having to brace myself for the probability he’s been lying to me for a lot longer.