The meeting between Jasmine and Justo was electric. Jasmine arrived at the Emirates Lounge in Dubai en route to New York, intending to grab a hot meal and sleep on her connecting flight. However, fate had other plans and the only available seat was opposite a stylish gentleman, Justo.

Initially uninterested, they struck up a conversation, and Justo revealed he was traveling to Australia for a two-week trade exhibition. They exchanged contact information and parted ways for their flights.

Justo resided and worked in Braamfontein, while Jasmine was based in Sandton, Johannesburg, a mere 15 km away. They enjoyed a coffee date, which led to a lunch date, and soon Jasmine began considering introducing each other to their close friends and family. Isn’t this what normal people do when dating?

In the year that they had been dating, Justo had never invited Jasmine to his house, always coming up with excuses. This would be a red flag when thinking logically, but when in love, it can be overlooked. However, Justo did get the chance to meet Jasmine’s sister and mother when they visited South Africa.

Image: Courtesy Adobe Stock

Jasmine was fortunate enough to meet Melvin (Mel as he would like to be called), Justo’s younger brother, but the circumstances were less than ideal. Mel had secretly met with Jasmine to inform her that Justo had been admitted to the hospital after overdosing on his regular medication. This was not the first time, but Mel felt it was important for Jasmine to know given their relationship.

During the year they were together, Jasmine never learned much about Justo’s background, family, or parentage. The news that Justo was struggling with addiction came as a shock. Her mind raced as she contemplated her next move when he was released from the hospital. Adding to her guilt was the fact that just two days before the incident, she had dropped him off at a pharmacy where he purchased medication. She had done this a few times before but never bothered to inquire about the ailment or the medication he was taking. Unknowingly, Jasmine had been paying for his opioids, fueling his addiction.

Was Jasmine going to call off this relationship?

Despite these challenges, many girls stay with boyfriends who are addicted to opioids because of their love and commitment to the relationship. They may try to support their partner through addiction treatment and recovery, or they may feel that they cannot imagine life without them.

Loving someone with an opioid addiction is not easy. It can be emotionally draining, and it may require significant sacrifices and compromises. Jasmine’s thought process of rationalizing and justifying staying with Justo is a common symptom of Stockholm syndrome, which is not a healthy mindset.

In my opinion, women in relationships with addicted partners need to prioritize their own well-being and set boundaries, even if it means ending the relationship. Staying in a harmful relationship does not benefit anyone, and it is not fair to expect one person to be the solution to someone else’s addiction. It is important to seek help and support and remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Sometimes the only solution is to “Murife”. To run to safety.

At the same time, it is important to remember that addiction is a disease and that people who are addicted to opioids deserve compassion and support. They are not defined by their addiction, and with the right help and treatment, they can overcome it and live healthy, fulfilling lives – and even date the love of their lives.

If you are a girl who is in a relationship with a boyfriend who is addicted to opioids, it is important to seek help and support. This may include talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or reaching out to addiction treatment centers for resources and guidance. Remember that you are not alone and that many people can help you navigate this difficult situation.

Addiction was not the only problem that Justo had. There were worse issues.

….. part III to continue ….