I'm new to all this.My husband was recently diagnosed as a prescription drug addict.He claims he wasn't using that often,but is diagnosed as an addict because he chose to use drugs as apposed to coping in healthy ways.His behaviors are classic addict behaviors,he lacks consistency and commitment in what he does.He lies and creates stories to create images of who he would like you to believe he is.He struggles with relationships.He is most of the time irritable,angry,mean,and uncaring.He seems so wrapped up in himself that it's hard for him to deal with much else.He is attending AA meetings and seeing an addiction counselor.He claims he is no longer using,but all the behaviors are still there.I know it takes time to learn new ways of living,but if behaviors were as a result of his drug abuse, now that he's not using,shouldn't things be better?
Until he admits,"I'm messed up and I see need for change", he is proably just going through the motions of recovery without wanting to change. Withdraw makes us irritable, but we see the need to change and will ask for forgivness when we go over the line and hurt others.
How do I get him to see that he’s hurting others? He says he gets it but continues to hurt and defends his actions and behaviors.He’ll often say,“so I made a mistake” and wants to be forgiven only to repeat the negative behavior.