How to Recognize the Manipulation of a Drug Addict

Anyone who has a close friend or relative that has struggled with a substance use disorder knows all too well about the manipulative ways of a person who is controlled by their addiction. These behaviors cause extreme heartache and pain and they even have the power to break up families and end marriages. Amid a relationship that has been damaged by addiction, it’s not always easy to identify manipulative behaviors, let alone how to respond in a healthy way. However, if you can take a step back and peel back the filter from your eyes, you might just see that your loved one is manipulating you into fueling his or her addiction. 5 Main Reasons Why Addicts Manipulate Why do addicts manipulate the people around them? As a friend, spouse, or sibling of an addict, it’s not always easy to understand why a person would continually manipulate the people who love him or her most. Despite the confusing behaviors, there are several very clear reasons why addicted people manipulate those around them.1 They need to be in control. It’s not uncommon for addicted people to feel internally powerless because they are controlled by their need for drugs or alcohol. Instead, an addict will often attempt to control their environment and everyone else in it to compensate. Their intense cravings are justification for manipulative behaviors. Addiction is characterized by an uncontrollable physical and psychological need for drugs, making it hard for a person to resist using, despite the consequ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Addictions Codependence Relationships & Love Substance Abuse Addiction Recovery Drug Addiction Emotional Manipulation Manipulative Behavior Source Type: news