withdrawal

I took care of a patient last week who had opioid dependence and she was going through withdrawal because she wasn't getting any while she was in the hospital. We had to medicate her with a drug specifically for her situation so that she would be more comfortable. It's amazing what the body does when starved for something it has become dependent on. She was much more calm and pleasant to be around when she was medicated appropriately.

There have been times in the last 2 weeks when I've felt like I'm going through withdrawal. Not from a substance; however, it can feel like I had developed just as strong of a dependence. How does one get past a relationship that was so meaningful? How does one stop loving someone else because the context for that love was removed, instantly? Even when there was some preparation, some warning, turning it off all at once doesn't seem like it could be possible for anyone, and for me most definitely has not been. I can't say that I grew dependent on a person, on a relationship, or on love per se, but my body, mind, and spirit had grown used to their presence in my life, which is now gone.

I guess love continues in different form. Loving him means trusting our decision was right and for the best. Loving him means letting go and letting him go. Loving him means loving and taking care of myself. Loving him means having no expectations. Loving him means being thankful for all that he is and our relationship was. Loving him means looking forward to what's better for both of us.

I can go through withdrawal from love- I think that's normal. Does it ever fully go away?