The Truth About Loving An Addict

On September 7th, 2018, the world reeled with the news of the tragic death of Mac Miller. Known as one of the most influential artists in rap, Miller was just 26 years old and lost his life due to an overdose. While most of his fans shared their condolences, others took to his former lover, Ariana Grande’s, Instagram page to voice their opinion, blaming her for his death.

While “trolling” is common among celebrity social media accounts, this particular instance brings up a HUGE problem that MUST be acknowledged. Blaming Ariana because she “left him at his lowest” perpetuates a very harmful idea that women should stay in toxic relationships and “save” them.

I’ve spent half of my life loving an addict and here’s the truth about that ideology – it’s impossible. Caring about someone who is addicted to any kind of substance, whether it be drugs or alcohol, is one of the hardest things in this world. Seeing someone struggle with something and knowing there’s nothing you can do to help them is heartbreaking. Watching someone love their drugs more than you is a feeling only those who have been there will understand.

Here’s what I want you to know – you weren’t put on this earth to save people. Sometimes, the only person you can save is yourself. When someone’s “lowest” becomes toxic and potentially harmful, you have every right to leave and the results are NOT your fault. When you leave someone you love for your own betterment, you fear things like this happening. So instead of spreading hate and placing blame where it doesn’t belong, let’s all pray for Ariana and anyone who has ever had to experience the sad realities of loving an addict.

“You can’t save people, you can only love them.”