How do you let go of loving an addict?

My first love was an addict. I was oblivious, but, after wed been together a few months, he came clean and told me. I was very naive and didnt really understand the emormity of it. He promised to clean up....and he did with help of a good friend of his. But as an addict.. he had lapses. I knew at 20 a life with him would be very hard, and not what i wanted, but, i loved him and wouldnt leave him. For me, fate interveened and during one of his better times he was offered a job in London. He asked me to go with him, but i didnt want to go. Of course, i worried constantly hed lapse, so i couldnt end things. But weeks after hed gone, i was living a better, freer life. I realised how being with him was affecting my own life so the next time i visited him i ended it.
I didnt see him for about 6 years after that, and he was a state. I asked how hecwas...he didnt need to answer, i could see.
He died aged 46 of liver and kidney failure after years of drug abuse.

I cant really give you advice on how to cut yourself off im afraid. I can just tell you that you must for your own good, our you will constantly live under a big black cloud.

Good luck x