Codependency occurs in many types of relationships. However, it’s particularly prevalent with those who have a substance use disorder and their loved ones. Codependency often occurs in romantic relationships. However, it can occur in relationships between family members and even friends.Knowing the signs of codependency is the first step to understanding your own codependent relationships.
Memphis Recovery Centers helps loved ones with codependency through family therapy activities.
The Basics of Codependency
One of the simplest ways to see a codependent relationship is the relationship between parents and children. Young children are dependent on their parents to meet their needs and show signs of codependency. Parents put the needs of the child ahead of their own. Of course, the eventual goal of parenthood is to allow the child to move past codependence to independence as they grow older.
Now imagine a teenager that still relies on their parents for everything. Parents handle making their meals, cleaning their room, getting them up for school, and the teen has no responsibility for themselves. This is an example of unhealthy codependency. Unhealthy codependency will allow the codependent person to continue harmful behaviors. Additionally, the partner tries to shield the codependent person from consequences and responsibility, often believing they are helping. However, allowing bad behavior to continue simply keeps the cycle going.
Memphis Recovery Centers provides a youth rehab program for codependency and substance abuse issues.
Codependent vs. Enabler
There are two people involved in any codependent relationship. One is codependent, and the other is the enabler. One codependent person may have more than one enabler. The signs of codependency need to be looked at from both points of view, so you can decide if you are codependent or an enabler. It’s important to realize that drug addiction is a common issue on both sides of codependency.
When codependency is mentioned, it’s often viewed in terms of the codependent person being the one with an addiction and the enabler being sober. However, enablers sometimes turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the negative emotions of a codependent relationship. It’s also possible for both partners to have a problem with drugs and alcohol. Find addiction help at the inpatient drug rehab center at Memphis Recovery Centers.
Signs of Codependency
If you are the codependent in the relationship, you rely on others to fix things for you. You find it difficult to take responsibility for your actions. You need someone to be there to help when you need it. The focus is likely on what the other person can do for you, with little thought to their needs or feelings.
Other signs of codependency are:
- Lack of autonomy or control of your life
- Relying on others to meet basic needs
- Extreme fear of abandonment and needing constant reassurance the other person won’t leave you
- Difficulty making decisions on your own
- Low self-esteem, feeling worthless or incapable
Signs You are the Enabler
Some signs of codependency suggest that you are actually the enabler in the relationship. You may have a natural caretaker personality and weak boundaries. You find yourself giving much more than you get in the relationship, and lose your sense of who you are outside the relationship.
These signs of codependencyare:
- The other persons needs often come before yours
- Avoidance of conflict or apologizing often, even when things aren’t your fault
- Think you are the only one that can handle a situation correctly
- Having few interests outside the relationship
- Viewing the other person as unable to take care of themselves in some way and feel they need you to take care of them
Treatment for Codependency at Memphis Recovery Centers
If you are experiencing addiction with codependency, you can find help at Memphis Recovery Centers. We offer help for the client and their loved ones, which can improve relationships and help end codependency. We develop an individual treatment plan for each client, so you get the best treatment possible for your needs. If you want to start the road to recovery, contact Memphis Recovery Centers today at 901-272-7751.
