It is a long-held saying in recovery communities: “Addicts don’t have relationships; they take hostages.” When you are in a relationship with someone who is suffering from addiction, you will inevitably find yourself trying to come to their rescue.

The myth of Narcissus and Echo is more than just an ancient tale—it serves as a powerful metaphor for toxic relationship dynamics. Narcissus, a hunter admired for his extraordinary beauty, was emotionally detached, rejecting all who loved him. Echo, a mountain nymph, suffered a cruel fate that left her voiceless—able only to repeat the words of others. Together, they embody the painful cycle of one-sided relationships, where one person seeks admiration while the other loses themselves in reflection.