Codependency is a concept which defies a singular definition. It encompasses a wide range of maladaptive behavior that allows drug addiction to flourish. To address codependency in addiction, one must understand its’ roots and how it develops in perpetuating a loved one’s substance abuse. The following article will give you a better understanding of codependency of addiction.
If you need help in dealing with codependency in addiction, call Comprehensive Wellness Centers today. We offer a wide range of effective treatment options that will help the whole family heal.
Codependency is Born from Trauma
To get a firm grasp of codependency in addiction, it is important to recognize that it is born from personal trauma. Codependency develops as a coping mechanism to deal with dysfunction and trauma. To face these feelings, codependent people learn to deny their true feelings. Also, codependent people attempt to keep the peace by taking care of others. Codependency creates the need to take control of everything in the lives of others.
Codependency Creates Shame
For those who are codependent, they feel flawed and unworthy of one’s love and respect. As children, codependents may have been called worthless and stupid by their parents, relatives or other loved ones. For those struggling with addiction, the cumulative stigma of codependency and substance abuse makes it very difficult for addicted people to reach out for help.
The Focus on Others Over Focus on Self
As stated before, people who are codependent focus on the needs of others before themselves to an unhealthy degree. This focus on others shifts the focus away from dealing with their own pain and problems. Those who are codependent in addiction feel their sense of self-worth in involving themselves in other’s lives and not from fulfillment in their own life.
Codependent People are Sensitive
Codependency in addiction is marked by hypersensitivity. Those who are codependent are easily hurt and do everything to please others to deflect pain and trauma. Those who are codependent are wallflowers in the fact they do not want personal attention for fear of rejection because of their perceived flaws.
Giving Even if it Hurts
Those who are codependent do not recognize boundaries. They will give of themselves even if it hurts them in the long run. When people engage in codependency in substance abuse, they give most or all their time, money into helping and doing for others who may not respect them as people. Because of this, codependents are taken advantage of and are hurt-which deepens their feelings of unworthiness.
Codependents Don’t Tell People What They Truly Want
Because of their unhealthy focus on the needs of others, people who are codependent don’t address their own needs. This is especially true of those codependent in addiction. Deep inside, they know they need help and support from others, but because they don’t truly know themselves they can’t address those deepest needs. While asking others for help and support doesn’t guarantee those needs will immediately be met, the passive nature of codependents makes it impossible for individual needs to be truly met.
You Can Get Help with Your Codependency in Addiction
Codependency is paralyzing, and it prevents people from growing and realizing their true selves. If you are struggling with codependency in addiction, you may feel there is no hope in getting better. Help is closer than you think. Comprehensive Wellness Centers offers you the help and support you and your family need to overcome addiction once and for all.
