Codependency means extreme emotional or psychological mutual need or dependence, where one sacrifices to meet others’ needs. Codependent people usually have excessive focuses beyond themselves to enable another person’s addiction.
A codependent individual’s actions and feelings often revolve around their children, partners, and family members. A good example is in circumstances where a spouse or a parent of an alcoholic or drug-addicted teen needs to feel wanted by the other person.
Codependency usually occurs in unstable and unhealthy relationships. Codependent people often try to save others from themselves that they end up being hurt when trying to solve other addictions or abusive behaviors.
Codependency and Addiction
Codependency may also exist between an individual in a relationship with an addict. Addiction can be in the form of drug abuse, betting, spree shopping, etc.
The codependent person may adopt the role of a “caretaker” for their partner. The partner may depend on the caretaker to manage household responsibilities. If the addiction produces problems beyond the relationship, the caretaker may disguise their partner’s mistakes. For instance, an alcohol abuser may miss work, making a codependent person lie to the partner’s employer on their behalf, that the partner is sick.
Codependency and Abuse
Codependent behaviors can develop to neutralize emotional abuse, especially for those living in an abusive relationship or family.
For instance, a person may act as a caretaker to feel needed by an addict. Another one may try to gain appreciation by providing people’s needs at their own expense. Sacrificing for others can cause a person to feel valued and empowered.
A codependency individual may feel accountable for an abusive person. Any untreated mental health condition from an abuser may make them try “treating” them carefully. However, it is not the right way to address abusive mental health issues, but only if the abusive person obtains professional care to start recovery.
Additionally, particular codependent family members may appear to protect their loved ones by keeping their problems secretive. However, enabling abuse from one group usually harms the other family members.
Codependency and Mental Health Conditions
Notably, codependency doesn’t meet the requirements of mental health diagnosis since the symptoms are extensively applicable. However, it can still cause severe distress and interfere with the well-being of a person.
Codependent people are more likely to have intense feelings of shame and suffer from low self-esteem. Research has discovered some mental health problems related to codependency, which include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Dependent and undecided personality
Codependency also increases substance addiction risks, mostly when addicts use drugs as an escape route to avoid distressing emotions.
Final Words from the Recover
If you realize you are struggling with codependency, the best option is to visit a therapist from any available rehab centers near you.
A professional mental therapist can determine or evaluate any conditions related to codependency. An excellent rehab facility has a qualified therapist who can help you explore the origin of codependent behaviors. Also, you will learn how to balance your needs with other people while developing healthier relationships.
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