By Charlotte Hilton Andersen | Shape Magazine
Lamar Odom, the estranged soon-to-be-ex-husband of Khloé Kardashian, is in the midst of a very public and very painful relapse into addiction. In the past, he’s struggled with addictions to drugs and alcohol, famously ending up in the hospital in a coma. But now, despite a brief stint of sobriety, it appears he’s fallen off the wagon again.
And while this must certainly be difficult for him, it’s also incredibly painful for Khloé, as anyone who has ever loved an addict will understand. The reality TV star broke her silence on Twitter, sharing her broken heart and feelings of helplessness. She made it clear that she’s finally reached the point where she has to let go and stop trying to save him.
It’s a terrible realization but an important one for any person who has a loved one with substance abuse issues, says John Templeton, president of Footprints Beachside Recovery Center. “Addiction is a family disease, and even though other family members may not be addicts themselves, they are directly affected by the disease,” he says. “The emotional, mental, and sometimes physical toll that living with, or caring for someone who is actively addicted is overwhelming.”
Sadly, Lamar’s tragic situation isn’t unusual. “Often times, relapse is part of recovery, and it doesn’t mean that the person will never get clean,” Templeton says. “It’s important to not give up.”
FAQs
What did Khloe Kardashian say about loving an addict?
Khloé talked about how her heart broke. She said she felt stuck and powerless for a while. In the end, she chose to stop trying to fix him and let him go.
How can loving someone with addiction affect a person?
It can keep fear and stress going. It may also cause guilt and deep tiredness. Money trouble can add more pressure. Over time, people can feel trapped and powerless.
What can families learn from public stories about addiction?
These accounts make it clear that addiction can touch anyone. Relapse can happen, even after good progress. Clear boundaries help, too. Support and training should reach families, not just the person in treatment.
How does celebrity openness help reduce addiction stigma?
Public talks can make addiction feel less secret. They can help people understand what others are going through. They also remind us that substance use disorder is a medical issue. NIDA
What support is available for families of addicts?
Families may get help through counseling or family therapy. They can also join support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon. Some people use treatment centers, too. Another option is SAMHSA’s private helpline.
