What’s the Big Deal About Addiction and Codependency?

addiction and codependency

Addiction is rarely a standalone concern. Instead, it may be joined by other mental health or behavioral issues like depression or a history of trauma. Also, addiction and codependency are two issues that often become intertwined. Explore the connection between the two, how codependency manifests itself and how both can be stopped.

What is Codependency?

Serious looking young woman knows the connection between addiction and codependencyCodependency is an excessive reliance on another person. Often, that person is a friend, a parent, a spouse or a child. This reliance is typically emotional or psychological, but it can also involve money or physical support.

For codependency to be a problem, there needs to be two influential parties. When talking about addiction and codependency, there is usually one party that struggles with addiction. The other party often knows about the addiction and wants to help, but is doing more harm than good.

In a healthy relationship, a loved one might encourage someone struggling with addiction to get help. In a codependent relationship, a loved one might get overly emotional, lie on behalf of someone addicted to drugs or even help them avoid the consequences of their behavior. A drug and alcohol intervention program is a good place to begin the healing from codependency.

Denial is a Key Part of Codependency

Many different behaviors become part of a codependent relationship. One of the most problematic is the issue of denial. This is something that impacts both parties in the relationship, and it can end up postponing the addiction treatment that is so necessary for recovery.

Often, the person struggling with the addiction tries to minimize substance abuse. They might lie about drug use or pretend that it isn’t impacting their life in any significant way. At the same time, they could be lying or sneaking around to protect that story.

Their loved one, on the other hand, might be in denial as well. They might try to rationalize the addict’s behavior or avoid making the tough decisions that need to be made. This is normal, but it can have so many adverse effects personally and for the entire family.

Support Systems Have to Stop Enabling Behaviors

Clients struggling with addiction might seek professional support for many reasons. Often, it is because they can no longer live with the consequences of their behavior. They won’t get to that stage, however, if their loved ones enable them.

If someone has drugs or alcohol addiction, then enabling them is never a good idea. Helping them keep their job or their home might be well-intentioned, but it will only help them justify their continued substance abuse.

Fighting Addiction and Codependency at Clear Life Recovery

Codependency reveals how the whole family impacts addiction. At Clear Life Recovery, treatment benefits the entire family through recovery. Therapies for clients and even their loved ones include:

Addiction and codependency often link. To fight one, the other also needs attention. At Clear Life Recovery in Costa Mesa, California, clients can get the help they need to overcome negative behaviors once and for all. Call 866-261-7291 to take the next step toward a healthier and happier life for you and your family.