Codependency in Addiction: A Silent Barrier to Recovery

Substance addiction is a complex disorder that takes away a person’s freedom and choice of living. An individual dependent on drugs and alcohol often lives in isolation, distancing themselves from people who love them and the activities they once enjoyed. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stipulates that over 43 million Americans above 12 had substance addiction in 2021.

 Treatments, like therapy and medications, are the only way to break free from this complex condition. However, many factors, such as codependency, can hinder treatment or complicate recovery. Codependency is challenging to resolve because recognizing it is an obstacle. Most codependent individuals aren’t aware that they’re exhibiting this behavior or harming their loved ones. 

Healing Pines Recovery is a men’s Colorado drug rehab that can help.

What is Codependency in Addiction?

Some people feel that they can’t live without the other person. While this is typical in a romantic relationship, it is more like a hindrance in addiction recovery. Individuals who exhibit this behavior are known to be codependent. 

Codependency in addiction is a toxic relationship where one person puts the needs of others above theirs. The person will do everything in their power to satisfy their loved one or partner, even to their detriment. While the intentions are clear sometimes, most times, they are selfish. The reason for the codependency is to feel loved. They need to be loved by that person. Therefore, they do everything to be viewed as lovable and caring. This can mean funding their addiction habit, even if it means giving them your last penny. The person does all these things to avoid losing their loved one. In a codependent relationship that involves addiction, the caretaker or the codependent is the decision-maker.

What Gives Rise to Codependency?

The initial intention is to help a loved one or the addict remedy their addiction problems. Because substance abuse is associated with many problems, such as engaging in high-risk behaviors and dealing with financial issues, they constantly need emotional support. The codependent person steps in as the savior, putting themselves on the line to ensure their needs are well cared for. However, the opposite happens in the long run. 

Instead of helping to resolve their addictive behavior, the codependent persons enable it by covering up for the addict’s reckless behavior and paying their dues owed. This enabling behavior gives the addict the platform to continue their habit. 

The need to feel loved is another factor that contributes to codependency. Maybe the individual grew up as an orphan or in an abusive home where love was lacking. In that case, the person will cling to anyone who thinks highly of them. They depend on the validation of others to gauge their self-worth. Should any criticism be leveled against them, they’ll go the extra mile to satisfy that person. In an addictive relationship, the codependent will do whatever to support the addict’s habit.

Why Codependency is a Barrier to True Recovery

As mentioned, codependents, who can be siblings, friends, or a parent, can contribute to their loved ones’ continued drug or alcohol use. With the notion of keeping them happy, you’re pushing them further down the drain by enabling them. The codependents feel they’re doing the right thing by looking after them instead of keeping them in a rehab clinic. They are often involved in this chaotic relationship to overcome their insecurities and problems.

The codependent believes that allowing their partner to go for treatment will make them lonely and depressed again. A codependent person doesn’t want to feel rejected. As a result, they do all they can to thwart any attempt to get adequate help to prevent the relationship from falling apart, even if toxic. It means encouraging the individual to give up seeking professional help in favor of staying with them. The codependent person fears the other person won’t need them if the addiction is resolved.

Effects of Codependency on Addiction

A codependent relationship involving addiction is dangerous to the codependent and their partner. Both parties develop a higher level of addiction, where the codependent clings to the addict for emotional support and validation. On the other hand, the addict happily indulges in their habit. 

Codependency kills potential. The individual is afraid of doing something important because of fear of criticism. They can’t fulfill their career responsibilities and financial needs. Then there’s the issue of low self-esteem, depression, and declining health. Lastly, forming relationships outside the codependent one will be challenging.

How to Overcome Codependency in Addiction

The good news is treatment is available for codependency addiction. With the help of therapy and support groups, you can escape from the clutches of this toxic relationship. Codependency usually arises from childhood. The psychologist will explore childhood issues and other unhealthy behaviors that might contribute to codependency. Through this, the therapist will help you define your true personality and needs and set clear objectives for yourself.

If you are in a codependent relationship but don’t know where to start, contact our Colorado alcohol rehab. We offer a comprehensive treatment for codependency, depression, and substance abuse treatment. We are a call away. Don’t let this toxic relationship ruin your career, social life, and overall well-being.