My ex-husband never had an addiction but he WAS a control freak. The first time he screamed at me was a shock. I never thought he would treat me that way - after all, he loved me, right? Looking back, I wish I would have paid attention to the red flags along the way. The last straw for me was when he grabbed my 10 year old son by his hair and jerked him off a chair. Sometimes I feel guilty for allowing my children to be exposed to someone like him. I felt stuck in that relationship for so long but I left and our lives got better each day we were away from him. However, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I stayed in the area because my kids had friends and school. Now I can't imagine living anywhere else and my kids have thrived. I realized that I allowed my ex to treat me that way. If you allow your boyfriend to treat you like that; he will continue to do so. You have to stand up for yourself. You deserve that. Good luck!