The Effects of Codependency and Addiction
Codependency and addiction are two concepts that are very much related and feed off of each other in negative ways. Both codependency and addiction can play a crucial role in relationships and people’s lives. Codependency is a phenomenon in which one person becomes dependent on another for companionship, emotional support, and assurance of one’s worth, which creates an unhealthy relationship. These kinds of behaviors when coupled with addiction can lead to more complications and remind the individual of previous behaviors, such as substance use. At Restoration Recovery, we believe understanding codependency is one of the ways we can help our clients heal.
Understanding Codependency
Codependency is a condition where one individual has an overdependence on their partner. This is especially seen in relationships where one partner has issues with substance abuse. The codependent person usually neglects his or her needs to support the other individual. Codependency may involve excessive care for others, low self-esteem, people-pleasing tendencies, fear of abandonment, or control issues.
The Relationship Between Codependency and Addiction
As for codependency and addiction, they tend to go hand in hand. The codependent person may encourage the behavior of the person with substance use disorder (SUD). They may do so intentionally or not, by excusing their acts, hiding them, or performing their tasks. Such a relationship can lead to a cycle where the person with SUD counts on the codependent person to cover up the consequences that he or she faces because of the addiction.
Codependency can also lead to or worsen the occurrence of addiction. The codependent person may struggle with low self-esteem and may not get fulfillment from personal achievements. They may turn to substances to either avoid their own emotional pain or the pain that their partner’s addiction causes them. This makes it rather complicated since both individuals have problems that affect the other, and they cannot easily escape them.
Enabling Addiction
Codependency can often lead to one person enabling the others’ use. This can be done through access to financial support, excusing negative behaviors, externalization or diminishing the severity of the problem, taking over responsibilities of the one struggling with addiction, or shielding from consequences.
Establishing Independence
To overcome the negative effects of codependency and addiction, you likely will need to further your understanding of yourself and your personality. The following strategies can help you to become more independent and alleviate some of the negative effects that codependency may have on recovery.
Recognize the Problem
The first thing to do to end codependency is to identify that you are struggling with it. This entails identifying the poor relationship behaviors and the effects they have on your overall health and well-being. Understanding where your codependency is connected can help you to recognize the severity of the problem. By comprehending what addiction and codependency are, you will be in a better position to make positive decisions. It is also a great opportunity to increase your self-awareness.
Establish Boundaries
It is now important to set, as well as maintain, proper boundaries to help eliminate codependency. Boundaries are significant as they help protect your feelings as well as guarantee that your needs are met. In order to focus on yourself during your time at Restoration Recovery, boundaries will need to be set in place with either yourself or another codependent individual in your life. It is one of the main signs of codependency to not be able to refuse people anything. Practice standing up for yourself, even if you have to say no or put yourself through a brief moment of discomfort.
Develop Your Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the process of valuing yourself regardless of your status, connections with others, or viewpoints from others. Do things that will boost your self-esteem and make you feel good about yourself and learn to be kind to yourself. Utilize positive affirmations and other practices that help build your self-esteem. Take care of your body, your feelings, and your mind. This involves exercising, eating proper meals, getting enough sleep, and doing things that you enjoy doing to help boost your relationship with yourself.
By comprehending what addiction and codependency are and how they affect your well-being, you will be in a better position to make positive decisions. Doing healthy things for your physical body can help improve your mental well-being and improve your self-image, which will help build your self-esteem.
Avoid Enabling Behaviors
When dealing with codependency, it is important to take certain steps to avoid enabling behaviors. A few ways to do this is to focus on the natural consequences of negative behaviors as a motivator for change. Utilizing your support network and being open and honest about your needs can help strengthen healthy communication. Focus on your personal growth and allow yourself to reflect on your recovery.
Codependency and addiction are two tendencies that feed off of each other viciously. It is necessary to identify the characteristics of codependent relationships (and the consequences involved in them) and create a healthier relationship with yourself and your addiction. Acknowledging the issue, asking for help, setting boundaries, and focusing on yourself will help you overcome codependency and promote your recovery and well-being. Recovery is a process that takes time, energy, and dedication but it can be achieved. To learn more about how you can overcome the negative effects of codependency to focus on your recovery and sobriety, reach out to our team of experts at Restoration Recovery today at (888) 290-0925.
