Codependency and Relationships
Codependency is when a person has a strong desire to control surrounding situations and relationships. This includes:
- Controlling people around them
- Feeling compassion for people who may be hurting
- Feeling he or she should be the one to help and give of their time, emotions, finances and other resources
- The person has a very difficult time saying "no" to any requests made of them
Codependency, for others, doesn't express itself in a desire to control, but instead in the need to be controlled by others.
- Because it is nearly impossible for codependents to say "no", they find themselves the victims in physically and emotionally abusive relationships.
- They believe that if they can be good enough or loving enough, they can change the other person's behavior.
- They sometimes blame themselves for the abusive behavior.
Codependency causes internal struggles with the opinions of others. Codependents may make decisions based on what they think other people want them to do. While they may believe their motive is compassion, in reality they are doing it because they want love or approval.
The underlying nature of their behavior may be recognized when the people they helped do not return the same amount of favor. They have difficulty understanding that instead of helping others by providing things they need, they may actually be hurting them by creating a dependent relationship.
Codependency can also cause struggles in the area of time management. Codependents may feel they never have enough time to fulfill all of their commitments. The most important commitments and relationships are often neglected because they are too busy helping other people or participating in multiple activities.
This also relates to their inability to say "no." The idea of not volunteering or helping is unthinkable. The codependent may believe they are not being responsible, a good friend, or a good person if they refuse any requests. However, many of those situations and relationships leave them feeling hurt, angry or resentful.
At Alta Mira, we treat Codependency as it coincides with a substance abuse or addiction. It is through the treatment of this dual diagnosis that a person can be completely treated and fully recover.
If you have any questions about Codependency or need help, please contact our call center. Admissions counselors are available 24 hours a day at (866) 922.1350.
|
More Treatment Info
» Treatment Overview
» Integrated Treatment
» Chemical Dependency
» Co-Occurring Disorders
» Depression
» Trauma and PTSD
» Eating Disorders
» Process Addictions
|
