Context: I (24f) got out of a 4 year relationship a year and a half ago. It was a bad relationship, I won't get into all of it, but my ex was bipolar and an alcoholic and dealt with a lot of legal troubles throughout the relationship (4 months in prison and then another 2 or 3 years of supervised probation.) I had to help him with more than I was ever comfortable with. It caused almost constant stress in my life.

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Shortly after I ended that relationship, I started seeing this guy, "M" (24.) I told him right away that I didn't want anything serious, but we've been hooking up/hanging out for over a year now. I know that M likes me a lot and might want something more serious. I should also note that at this point we are more than just "fuck buddies," I really like him as a person, we text throughout the week and he's someone I feel comfortable being around when I'm upset/stressed/whatever.

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Lately M has been going through a lot. He broke down crying in front of me last week. He got a DUI years ago and is still dealing with the repercussions, and a lot of his behavior reminds me of my ex (avoiding and ignoring problems but constantly worrying about what will happen when those problems catch up with him. Not taking the appropriate actions to fix things.) He said he's at risk of going to jail. I helped him with some things, helped him buy a new battery for his car, let him use my phone, bought him food, gave him some rides.

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I'm starting to feel like it's too much. I don't want to hear about his issues; it's in my nature to want to help in whatever way I can but I don't want to put myself in that situation. I REALLY care about this guy, genuinely want to see him be ok. So I feel awful for not wanting anything to do with him if he's going to be going through all of this. I also think it's important to note that the biggest thing I have an issue with is him relying on me emotionally. When he was crying I felt exactly like I did in my last relationship. I felt awful for him but helpless and sort of resentful.

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I think I'll just gradually back off and if he asks, tell him I've been busy with work (which is true) and focusing on myself. I don't know if it would be better to be honest in this situation and tell him I can't be a part of his life while he's dealing with so much. I know I get to choose who I want in my life but I feel like a huge asshole for wanting to be done with this friendship/relationship at the exact moment M probably needs me most. It's not like I'm his girlfriend, it doesn't directly impact my day to day life, so should I just suck it up, be a good friend and help him through it even though it makes me uncomfortable?

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Tl;dr I want to cut contact with a guy I've been seeing for awhile because he's been dealing with legal troubles, money troubles etc. and leaning on me for emotional support and it reminds me of a shitty past relationship. AITA?