Mental health concerns often intersect with substance use disorders. This is evident in the behavioral problem of codependency. Many times these two conditions are co-existing. This makes it difficult for those with substance abuse issues to break free from the cycle. Overcoming codependency requires the help of a comprehensive treatment program.
What is Codependency?
Codependency is a behavioral and emotional problem. Family members may pass the behavior down to their offspring because it is also a learned behavior. Codependency negatively affects a person’s life in various ways. One of the dangers of codependency is that it steals their ability to enjoy healthy nurturing relationships.
How Does Codependency Work?
A person associated with someone with substance use disorder is the person affected. It’s usually a family member, but it could be a close friend or co-worker as well. The person who is codependent provides a cover for the one who feels addicted to drugs or alcohol. The codependent one is then wrapped up in the identity of the other person. They are insecure so they sacrificially give of themselves to the other person in hopes of “saving” the person. This rarely works and usually only intensifies the problem.
Players in Codependency
In a codependent relationship, you have the person who is codependent; this person is referred to as the enabler. Then you have the addicted person; this person is the manipulator. The manipulator will use the enabler to get their way and to hide their substance use. The enabler feels compelled to hide the other person’s problem and even help them in it. This makes overcoming codependency an even tougher challenge to face.
The Connection Between Codependency and Substance Abuse
The dangers of codependency are as follows:
- The person with substance use disorder may attempt to manipulate the enabler for money, medication, or other privileges to keep doing drugs or alcohol
- The person abusing a substance won’t get treatment as long as someone continues to enable him/her
- The enabler loses much of his/her self-esteem
- The enabler may be a victim of emotional or physical abuse
- The consequences of substance abuse may result in an overdose
Overcoming Codependency
To finally overcome codependency, a person needs the help of trained professionals and evidence-based therapies. At Crestview, our compassionate staff is ready to walk with on your journey to a better life, wholeness, and health. Our goal is to help you become a success. Our lovely facility offers several therapy options some of which include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Holistic therapy
Overcoming codependency is possible with the help of a qualified rehab center. Don’t let addiction ruin your life. Seek treatment by contacting us at 866.262.0531, and we’ll help you on your way to healing.
