My mind started to begin to clear at 2 weeks of no contact. At 30 days, I felt miserable but I knew it was the right thing. At 8 weeks I suddenly realized with great relief that I was FREE!
I stayed pretty much to myself for the next six months...had some counseling, did tons of reading...and just let myself heal at my own pace.
My next relationship did not work out. It did for awhile and then it didn't. There were some things that slightly triggered my previous feelings and behaviors but I thought that I was inappropriately projecting. I don't think so now..I think I should have paid more attention to my gut instead of thinking that my perspective was too skewed from the very bad relationship with the abusive alcoholic.
I am in one now that is the healthiest relationship I have ever been in.
There isnt any of that crazy dynamic that triggers me to feel and act crazy!
While I was in the relationship, I, like, noday..became someone I did not know. I had not been like that before and it overtook me. I lived with insanity and anyone who is sane adjusts to that well! LOL
Getting out of it was CRITICAL!!!!!!!!