What Is Codependency in Addiction?

Addiction is a complex condition that can affect people in different ways. One such factor of addiction is something called codependency, whereby someone is enabling someone else’s destructive behaviour like addiction.

This article explores everything there is to know about codependency in addiction, providing actionable steps to help you navigate through situations of codependency while paving the way for healthier and happier connections.

Defining Codependency

Codependency is classed as an unhealthy reliance on another individual, typically a loved one or partner, who is struggling with addiction or mental health, as well as other challenges. It can lead to dysfunctional relationship patterns, sabotaging behaviour and a worsening of mental health and addiction if these are present.

The term codependency stems from psychology and chemical dependency, as it was first used to describe individuals who supported their partners going through substance abuse and who unfortunately became entwined in the toxic nature and lives of those they loved.

In its most basic form, codependency is a form of emotional or psychological entanglement. While not an official clinical diagnosis or officially classed as a mental health disorder, it does contain various attachment style patterns that are common in mental health conditions and can stem from childhood. It’s also not uncommon for codependency to overlap with other mental health concerns, including personality disorders.

The emotional and psychological entanglement that someone feels can blend the lines between them and the person they care for, which ultimately results in their own identity becoming intertwined with the person who is struggling with addiction, for example.

Signs and Symptoms of Codependency

Being able to spot the potential signs and red flags associated with codependency is key in addressing the potential risks that can stem from it. However, it’s important to note that codependency can manifest itself in several different ways. This includes and is not limited to:

• Low self-esteem and confidence – It’s not uncommon for codependent individuals to prioritise other people over their own identity and well-being.
• Controlling behaviour – Often, in an attempt to manage addictive behaviours and the situations they find themselves in, individuals who are codependent try to control and regulate the behaviours of their partner or loved ones.
• Extreme caretaking – It’s not uncommon for codependent individuals to take on the role of caregiver, offering up a huge amount of their time and energy to meet the other person’s needs – often at the expense of their own time.
• Difficulty in setting boundaries – Another common sign and challenge of those facing codependency is difficulty in setting and maintaining boundaries. This can lead to a vicious cycle of resentment and dysfunction, which can exacerbate the likes of mental health and addiction.

What Is Codependency in Addiction?

As mentioned above, it’s not uncommon for codependent relationships to make the likes of addiction more complex and severe. This is because the behaviours of one partner reinforce the addictive personality and behaviour of another. In short, enablers actually worsen the other person’s cycle of addiction. They can shield them from the risks and consequences of their behaviour while assuming the role of a caretaker and taking a sense of responsibility, purpose and identity away from the person suffering from addiction.

This destructive dependency can create a tangled relationship dynamic where fulfilment comes from unhealthy behaviours. The codependent person can actually get a sense of purpose and validation from their attempts to ‘help’ and ‘rescue’ the other addicted person. In turn, the addicted person begins to rely on the other partner for further validation and emotional support. Neither can see the damage that their actions are having on each other.

Consequences of Codependent Relationships and Addiction

The risks associated with codependency go beyond the initial consequences that affect the relationship and individual and can actually extend to all areas of life and well-being. This includes:

• Health risks – Both emotional and physical health are at risk of the chronic stress and strain associated with codependent relationships. Studies even show that it has been linked to depression, anxiety, stress-related disorders and worsening of existing mental health concerns.
• Enabling addiction – We know that codependent relationships can enable addictive personalities and behaviours, which can fuel the vicious cycle of addiction and impact someone’s recovery attempts.
• Personality – Research shows that codependency can have a huge impact on someone’s self-worth, confidence, and identity, not to mention the relationship dynamic. This can lead to an erosion of individual autonomy.
• Relationship – It goes without saying that codependency can have a direct impact on someone’s relationship, and not just their relationship with a partner but also their friends, family and colleagues. What was originally a connected bond can actually become a toxic atmosphere filled with emotion, manipulation, dysfunction and resentment.

Breaking The Cycle of Codependency

Knowing the warning signs of codependency is just the beginning. You also need to know how to break the cycle and how to confront the described patterns and dynamics that are being experienced. Some of the best ways to do this include:

• Recognising the signs—The first step in breaking the cycle of codependency is to recognise any potential destructive patterns within a relationship, whether between an individual and their partner, friends, or family members.
• Get professional help – If you or someone you know is suffering, just know that there is professional therapy available. An expert will be able to help guide you and support you as you navigate the complex situation and provide essential tools and strategies that can help you create healthier relationship dynamics.
• Join a support group—In addition to professional support, there are also online support groups and likely those in the community that can provide a safe and supportive environment for people to share their experiences, connect, and learn from people on the same journey. This includes a group called Co-Dependents Anonymous. If you want to know about support in your area, our friendly team can point you in the right direction.
• Create healthy boundaries – Once you’ve recognised that something might not be right in your relationship and sought help, it’s time to put healthy boundaries in place. This will help individuals reclaim their own identity and purpose and is essential in breaking the vicious cycle of codependency.

Finding Support for Overcoming Codependency

If you are worried about your relationship dynamics or a loved one, getting in touch with our team is the first step in helping everyone involved. Not only can we answer your questions about addiction and codependency, but we can also explain the various support out there, including individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy, which have all been proven to address the signs and their underlying causes while helping individuals to regain control of their lives.

Don’t wait. Get in touch today and start planning for a future where you prioritise your health and well-being and are better able to maintain positive and fulfilling relationships with loved ones.

Posted on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at 4:10 pm in Addiction.