Codependency and alcoholism are very closely linked for many people and can present a problem with recovery. A codependent relationship occurs when an individual’s emotional needs and self-esteem are wholly dependent on another person. This can occur with alcoholism when caretakers get very involved with a person’s recovery. Often, they wind up becoming enablers. It’s important to know the signs of a codependent relationship. If you find that you are in one, there are treatments and support available to help you establish a less dysfunctional relationship.
Codependency and Alcoholism: How They Connect
What is Codependency?
Codependency happens when one person is dependent on another for their happiness and personal needs. This can happen between spouses, romantic partners, friends, or parents and children. Any relationship should have an equal balance of power. However, in a codependent relationship, one person’s needs often are put above the other’s.
Signs of a Codependent Relationship
The signs of codependency are sometimes easy to miss, however, if it seems that you are putting your partner’s needs above your own, it might be a sign of codependency. Other signs are if your partner’s mood often impacts your day, or if it’s difficult to say no to them. In addition, if you’re constantly worrying about them or feel trapped in your relationship, it can be a sign of codependency.
Why is it Dangerous?
Codependency can be dangerous in a relationship, especially for those with alcoholism. Often, people in codependent relationships develop habits that mirror one another. So you might enable bad habits with drinking, or even begin drinking more heavily yourself. You also might find yourself covering up for your partner to hide their addiction. Often, people in codependent relationships with addicts can become enablers.
Treatment
If you find yourself in a codependent relationship, there are treatments available. Whether you are the addict or the codependent you will need support in changing the way your relationship works. The first step is getting alcoholism treatment. There are treatment facilities with in-patient and out-patient programs. You’ll also benefit from family or relationship therapy to learn healthy ways to cope with addiction without resorting to codependency.
Codependency and alcoholism are often closely intertwined. A codependent relationship is a dysfunctional relationship that can result in an alcoholic failing at their recovery, and the codependent developing negative habits as well. Oftentimes, people in these types of relationships become enablers. Codependency can occur in romantic partners as well as in other situations. For example, friendships or parent-child interactions. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a codependent relationship and understand how it can be harmful to recovery. If you find that you are in this type of relationship, reach out to a therapist for treatment and help with recovery.