Nine Signs of a Codependent Relationship

What is a Codependent Relationship

 
Codependent relationships are extremely common among individuals who have substance abuse disorders.

This type of relationship is a dysfunctional one.

It involves one party acting as the caretaker and the other party taking advantage of the caretaker.

Typically, the relationship is between a mother and a drug-addicted teenager or adult.

80% of the mothers in one study presented some level of codependency.

But spouses and other family members experience this, too.

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The Problem with Codependent Relationships

 
Codependent relationships often present mental and physical health risks.

Any type of relationship in which one party takes advantage of the other can be abusive and harmful.

The harm or abuse does not have to be physical, although it often can be.

But it can be emotional or psychological, too.

Codependent behaviors also tend to impede an addict’s recovery.

Overcoming codependency requires one or both parties engaging in therapy and finding support.

In addiction care settings, this support is easy to find.

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Other Ways Addiction Care Programs Help Address Codependency

 
Addiction care programs are uniquely designed to address a wide variety of concerns and recovery goals. Codependent relationships are common concerns during addiction recovery. In addition to a high level of support, our addiction care programs may address the challenges of this type of relationship by helping you:

• Develop open communication involving your recovery and goals
• Identify and avoid relapse triggers for both drug or alcohol-related behaviors and codependent tendencies
• Build reliable support systems and sober social networks
• Harness important life skills and choose healthy habits and coping mechanisms
• Overcome the difficulties of enforcing early sobriety, including easing withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings to improve your focus
• Use family therapy to practice healthy communication and listening skills and build a better understanding of each family member’s experience or role in the recovery journey

There are countless benefits to entering a drug or alcohol rehab program. The first step is acknowledging that you are part of a codependent relationship. With alcohol or drugs clouding your thoughts and emotions, this can be hard to do. Fortunately, we have encountered and helped improve these types of relationships for many years. And we know many of the signs to look for.

Nine Signs of a Codependent Relationship

1. On the caretaker’s side: people-pleasing to the extent that it interferes with your own emotional wants and needs
2. On both sides: a clear lack of recognition, respect, or enforcement of boundaries
3. On both sides: poor self-esteem
4. On the caretaker’s side: feeling like you are responsible for taking care of everyone around you all the time
5. On both sides: reacting instead of responding; this might mean becoming defensive about drug-seeking behaviors as the addict or internalizing harsh words or criticisms as the caretaker
6. On both sides: poor communication skills; for the addict, this typically means dishonesty or a lack of communication altogether, while for the caregiver, it might mean a reluctance to express your needs and wants out of fear or guilt
7. On both sides: a lack of self-image; both parties are defined by their part in this dysfunctional relationship and may be unsure of who they are otherwise
8. On both sides: dependency; both parties need something from the other, whether that is drugs, alcohol, or money for the addict or a sense of validation or purpose for the caregiver
9. On both sides: an obvious and overwhelming strain on the relationship

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Addressing a Codependent Relationship

 
If the signs of a codependent relationship look familiar to you, it is time to reach out for help. This problem will only get better if you address it and work to improve it. Along with helping you identify and work toward many other recovery goals, we can help you improve the relationships that are the most important to you.

Family therapy is one of the most important components in treating both addictions and codependent relationships. Our dedicated team of addiction specialists, therapists, and medical professionals can help you and your loved ones address many of the signs and symptoms listed above. Support group meetings offer similar benefits. Through a personalized, creative, and holistic care program, we can help you begin to build a better life.  

Other Proven Addiction Care Methods

 
Family therapy is an important care method in most recovery programs, but it is far from the only method used. You will also likely attend individual therapy sessions where you can work on identifying damaging thought patterns and behaviors. The goal is to replace these with healthier thoughts, behaviors, habits, and coping mechanisms. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is ideal for achieving these types of goals.

We will also provide relapse prevention and life skills training to ensure that you have built the skills you need to remain sober after you leave. Further, creative therapies like art therapy and music therapy provide a healthy emotional outlet. Creative activities like these are also proven to ease stress and anxiety and boost self-esteem. These proven care methods are important, and they are even more effective when balanced with additional care methods, remedies, and activities.  

Holistic Remedies

 
If proven addiction care methods will help you get where you need to be, creative and holistic remedies and recreational activities will help you enjoy the journey. They will also help improve both your physical and mental health to make it easier to find peace and balance in your recovery journey and the steps that come next.

These holistic remedies might include things like fitness classes, yoga or meditation sessions, and recreational beach trips. Most of our conveniently located facilities are within a few minutes of a beach. This is one of the many benefits of our safe, comfortable, and residential facilities. While you recover, our luxurious amenities and rooms will help you feel at home.  

Addiction Treatment Settings

 
We understand that individuals, addictions, and relationships are unique. We know that what works for one person or family may not work for another. This is why we offer a wide variety of personalized care programs and methods. Your addiction treatment program may take place in one or more of the following settings:

• Inpatient or residential
• Partial hospitalization
• Intensive outpatient
• Traditional outpatient
• Aftercare
• Dual diagnosis or another specialized program

We will work with you to determine which program or programs will best suit your unique addiction and needs. 

Paying for Addiction Treatments

 
Paying for addiction treatments is often a concern for individuals entering drug or alcohol rehab programs. But this may be easier than you would think. If you have health insurance, your program may be partially or fully covered. Most health insurance providers offer addiction care coverage. And we work with most major health insurance providers to ensure our clients get the care they need and deserve. Call us today for a complimentary insurance verification. If you do not have health insurance, ask our admissions counselor about our convenient alternative payment options instead.

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Choosing Resurgence Behavioral Health

 
Choosing Resurgence Behavioral Health means choosing dedicated and personalized addiction care.

It means choosing luxurious amenities, convenient locations, and well-balanced care programs that meet the needs of both the body and mind.

We will meet you where you are in your journey to recovery, and we will help you get where you need to be.

Call us today to get started.

Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.

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