Toxic Loyalty is a pattern that often starts in childhood with the family of origin. Codependent families, families in denial, or families that gaslight enforce mantras like “blood is thicker than water” or “what happens in the family, stays in the family.” There is a precedent of enmeshment and discouragement of speaking the truth. Walking away when harm is being caused is never modeled. A ride-or-die mentality is romanticized–but in recovery, you start to wonder… who is this really benefitting? Then, breaking that toxic loyalty pattern becomes an act of self-love.