I am an addict. I need help.
Don’t allow me to lie to you and accept it for the truth, for in so doing, you encourage me to lie. The truth may be painful but get at it.
Don’t let me outsmart you. This only teaches me to avoid responsibility and to loose respect for you at the same time.
Don’t let me exploit you or take advantage of you – in doing so you become an accomplice to my evasion of responsibility.
Don’t lecture me, moralise, scold, praise, blame or argue when I’m drunk or using drugs or sober. And don’t pour out my liquor or destroy my drugs – you may feel better but the situation will be worse.
Don’t accept my promises. This is just my method of postponing pain. And don’t keep switching agreements – if an agreement is made, stick to it.
Don’t lose your temper with me. It will destroy you and any possibility of helping me.
Don’t allow your anxiety for me to compel you to do for me what I must do for myself.
Don’t cover up or abort the consequences of my drinking or drug taking. It reduces the crises but perpetuates the illness.
Above all, don’t run away from reality as I do. Addiction, my illness, gets worse as my drinking or drug use continues. Start now to learn to understand and to plan for my recovery. I need help from a doctor, a counsellor or psychologist, a recovered alcoholic or drug addict, from God. I cannot do it by myself.
I hate myself like this, but I love you. To do nothing is the worst choice you can make for me.
Please help me,
Your addict.