A codependent relationship is one that can happen when a loved one struggles with substance abuse, addiction, and eventually, recovery. The primary warning signs may not be obvious but they are important to be aware of in order to break the cycle of addiction.
What is Codependency
Codependency is an emotional and behavioral condition that is passed one generation to the next. People in these relationships view them as one-sided and emotionally damages others in the relationship. Dysfunctional families and substance abuse can experience this as an unhealthy coping mechanism to deal with the loved one’s addiction.
Warning Signs
Articulating feelings and emotions is a key component of a healthy relationship. The following characteristics are common warning signs of codependency:
- Difficulty articulating personal feelings. They avoid talking about their feelings and thoughts as they believe they are not worth sharing
- Desperation to be liked. Many people who are codependent don’t like themselves so seek approval and acceptance from others. They often feel they have to prove they are worthy of love and attention to get people to like them
- Desire to control and fix others. People with codependency issues feel a sense of emptiness or worthlessness if there is no crisis to solve or person to fix. They want to give solutions, advice, and agree to things they don’t want, then wonder why others don’t follow suit
- Difficulty setting boundaries. It is not uncommon for a person with codependency to tolerate something and increase that tolerance until they are harmed by others. They often wonder why they keep getting hurt
Codependency and Addiction
Addiction shifts the behavior of a person to the point they are unrecognizable. It can change behaviors of the loved ones and enable behaviors to continue that would not otherwise keep going. If a loved one is addicted to drugs and alcohol, it is normal to want to help them. When helping goes beyond supporting them in healing, it can lead to challenges in the relationship and codependent behavior.
A codependent relationship can be treated with the right program and support that is comprehensive around addiction, substance use, mental health issues, and family therapy. There are programs which focus on all these components and help to address the issues at hand, which may have led to the behaviors in the first place and now they are able to notice what needs to be done to support healing.
Contact Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center Today
The Palmetto Center is based on a Therapeutic Community model. We help people learn how to live free of addiction. Our community support provides structure while trained counselors offer life skills training and therapeutic techniques to help you move past addiction. Our program provides special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.