When we dive into the anatomy of the chemically dependent, we find that co-dependency and addiction are intertwined. Many of the folks suffering from addiction have been in many unhealthy relationships with an addiction to people. They seek love in any way possible, no matter how disastrous it may be. They may have learned this through upbringing, social circle, and living environment. To understand this better, let’s look at co-dependency and how to improve our relationships.
What Is Co-Dependency?
Codependency, also known as “Relationship addiction,” is a term used to describe a tendency to develop or perpetuate one-sided, emotionally destructive, and violent relationships.
Co-dependent people always feel a strong desire to help people going through difficult times to feel needed and loved. They may be unable to end that unhealthy relationship because they think they have to be in the relationship to have value.
When it comes to taking care of themselves, they tend to be people pleasers. They may even forget that they need to take care of themselves. The relationship’s dynamic is manipulation, control, entanglement, and giving up pieces of oneself. Codependency often affects a spouse, parent, sibling, friend, or coworker of someone battling alcohol or drug addiction.
What Are The Signs Of A Co-Dependency?
An individual suffering from codependency becomes completely reliant on another for their sense of self-worth and emotional well-being. Families dealing with addiction, like individuals, often use codependency as a coping mechanism which furthers the cycle of addiction. A codependent relationship can have numerous telltale signs that you or a loved one is in danger of sliding into it. Here are the symptoms and indicators to look out for:
- Doting excessively on their partner
- Fear of abandonment
- No outside support systems
- Their identity meshes with their partner
- Self-doubt
- Resentment
- Low self-esteem
- Having trouble expressing feelings and emotions
- Wanting to be liked by everyone
- Being unable to set clear boundaries
- Tending to ignore or deny problems
- Little to no communication outside of the relationship
- High stress when not with their partner
Are Co-Dependency And Addiction Similar?
Yes! A co-dependent person will suffer similar symptoms as someone addicted to substances. They will become anxious about when their partner is not around. They will also express intense anger if they feel ignored or abandoned. Then switch to smothering their partner to coax them into staying. Any harsh word or action and the co-dependent person will become emotionally distraught and take it as a major heartbreak.
Most importantly, though, many co-dependent persons turn to substances to help cope with their intense emotions. This leads to an equally fierce addiction that is difficult to recover from. There is hope; there is always hope for anyone who wants to recover from addiction and have better relationships.
Can Codependents Have Healthy Relationships?
Yes. It takes a lot of work and dedication, but it is possible to have healthy relationships with a co-dependent partner. It’s important to talk openly about feelings and needs, set boundaries, and practice self-care so that both parties can get what they need from the relationship without becoming codependent or enabling addiction. With patience, understanding, and a commitment to making positive changes, it is possible to have healthy relationships with a codependent partner.
By taking the necessary steps and getting help when needed, you can learn how to become more independent and self-sufficient while still having close relationships. This will allow you to lead a life of recovery that is full of joy and fulfillment.
Learning Healthy Relationships And Boundaries
It is essential to have a healthy sense of self-awareness when in a relationship to satisfy each other’s physical and emotional needs in a suitable and meaningful manner.
At The Nestled Recovery, our three components of care will teach anyone how to have healthy boundaries and relationships with others. We use holistic and mindfulness methods so that you can explore what it is you need and how to attain them healthily. Our trauma-informed care will guide you through the necessary healing of the past to make better choices and be more confident in the future. Our services meet the eight dimensions of wellness that target every part of your life. Our goal is to help you grow into the person you want to be. No matter what you need help with, we have the resources to get it.
Final Thoughts On Co-dependency And Addiction
There are several ways to treat codependency. The good news is that there are recovery alternatives available if you or someone you care about has been reliant on another person’s substance use disorder or has become sad or worried due to their reliance. If you believe you are struggling with your relationships and addiction our holistic program for codependency can help. Our professional team is waiting to answer your questions and help you get your life back on track.
Healthy relationships are right around the corner.
Sources:
https://www.mhanational.org/co-dependency
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-codependency
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-s-the-best-codependency-treatment-5070487
https://scielosp.org/article/csc/2016.v21n1/101-107/
