What is Co-Dependency?
Co-dependency is an acquired Behaviour that can be passed down through generations. A person’s ability to form stable, mutually beneficial relationships is compromised by this emotional and behavioral condition. Codependency is often known as “relationship addiction” because people with it usually form or maintain relationships that are imbalanced, emotionally destructive, or abusive. The condition was first identified about ten years ago as a result of in-depth investigations into interactions in alcoholic families. Co-dependent behaviours can be imitated by seeing and mimicking those that other family members display.
What is Co-Dependency?
We all have some Co-dependent characteristics in our relationships, but co-dependents tend to be attracted to people who have addictive personalities, substance use problems, or who may be emotionally distant or damaged. They also have a far larger need to protect others.
Codependent Relationships and Addiction
Recognizing co-dependency in a relationship can be very helpful in the process of recovering from addiction. Co-dependency and addiction must be treated together in order to restore a healthy relationship, just like other co-occurring diseases like addiction and depression. Co-dependency can be detected by the warning signs listed below:
- Controlling someone verbally or physically
- Extremely delicate reactions
- The urge to influence others.
- The desire to make other people’s life better.
- Weak or absent awareness of one’s own boundaries
- Perfectionism
- Never stop blaming others
Signs of co-dependency
- Having trouble expressing one’s thoughts and feelings
- Unable to set boundaries because you seek everyone’s acceptance
- Tendency to minimise or deny problems
- Feeling compelled to take into account the sentiments of others
- Being down and withdrawn
- Lacking in respect for oneself and one’s worth
- Suppressing feelings and thoughts out of guilt or fear Needing to control and help others
- Putting the needs of others above your own Too much loyalty Poor communication
- Refusing to ask for help because you feel the problem is not serious enough
Treatment of co-dependency
Even though some people may be able to escape co-dependent behavioural patterns on their own, it typically requires professional assistance. Patients who receive cognitive-behavioural therapy receive help in comprehending their behaviours and changing their reactions.
Other types of therapy, such as couples counselling or family therapy, which helps minimise the consequences of co-dependency on parents, children, and extended family, can benefit both parties in co-dependent relationships.
You can cease co-dependent behaviours on your own by doing the following things:
- Setting aside time to contemplate and be by oneself
- Returning to a profession or interest that is apart from the co-dependent relationship
- Finding ways to turn down requests for help
- Reconnecting with distant relatives and friends
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