Codependency
Relationship Addiction
In its simplest form, codependency describes behavior that is learned from those close to us – this may include friends, family members and co-workers. This behavior is often passed from one generation to the next and affects the codependent’s life by not allowing healthy and normal daily interactions and relationships. Most often, this dependence is emotional and social and the codependent tries to feel a sense of worth by “connecting” with another person. Unfortunately, for most codependents this sense of worth never materializes and they often face depression and shame. In turn, the codependent person may turn to substance abuse to mask these feelings.
People who suffer from codependency can often have relationships that are abusive or destructive and generally lopsided. Codependency by definition is a submissive disorder which opens the sufferer to a great deal of abuse. Often the codependency or learned behavior is adopted by seeing what a family member or close friend does and following that behavior, regardless of the consequences. Even when the influencing family member stops their destructive activity, the codependent generally will not. Indeed the codependent will continue this activity possibly passing it on to another generation.
The symptoms of codependency are many, but most commonly:
- Delusional Behavior
- Denial
- Compulsions
- Anger, Frustration and lashing out
- Extreme Guilt
- Inadequacy, Fear and Shame
- Low self-esteem and self-worth
Treatment for codependency is very specialized and requires a licensed therapist and a facility, like Destination Hope, that is highly trained in these specific issues. Sometimes the codependent will feel compelled to mimic drug use in their friends or family members, in which case the substance abuse and psychological problems are even more intertwined. As a result, entering a rehab program that does not have the experience in treatment for codependency can be ineffective or even counterproductive. Indeed, entering the wrong level of treatment or a treatment program that does not have the ability to address specific issues associated with codependency can be a missed opportunity. Codependents that do not receive the proper care the first time around are more likely to shun treatment programs in the future, making it harder for them to get help.
Treatment for codependency requires the involvement of the family and friends that have influenced the codependent. With Destination Hope’s comprehensive family therapy program, many of these issues can be addressed and resolved, giving the codependent a way out. Destination Hope offers family and loved ones counseling and therapy because we believe that the family / friend dynamic can make or break someone’s recovery. Especially with codependency, loved ones can be the biggest influencer in a codependent’s behavior and they may not even know it. When they do finally find out, they may not know how to deal with the situation. Destination Hope’s counselors are ready and able to provide the care that codependents and their families need to work through their destructive behavior and get on track to a better life. It starts with a confidential phone call.
