What Is Codependency?
Every healthy relationship requires compromise, empathy, and balance. However, some women may struggle to establish or maintain balanced relationships with their loved ones. According to the International Journal of Addiction and Mental Health, “Codependency is described as a characteristic that develops in dysfunctional families, which is associated with neglecting oneself and focusing excessively on others, not being able to express their feelings explicitly, and gaining special satisfaction from their relationships with others.”
Some relationships enable self-destructive behaviors or have an imbalance between two people. A few examples of codependency include:
- A partner caring for their significant other even when it negatively affects their own health and well-being
- An adult child not making their own decisions to avoid confrontation with a parental figure
- Couples doing whatever it takes to keep a relationship even if both individuals are unhappy
Codependency is especially dangerous for individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD), untreated trauma, complex mental health disorders, or dual diagnosis. Loved ones may try to interfere with treatment if they believe it may come between them or cause a shift in their relationship. Even a positive change may cause conflict unless the codependent behavior is addressed in treatment.
Common Risk Factors
Sometimes, maladaptive behaviors like codependency are caused by trauma or symptoms of unmanaged mental health disorders. Women may not even realize their relationship is codependent until someone with an objective view of their relationship points out the unhealthy behaviors.
Some known risk factors for developing codependent relationships include:
- Childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse
- Emotionally restrictive parental figures
- Family history of SUD
- Unmanaged trauma
- Chronic stress
- Attachment issues as a child or young adult
- History of domestic abuse
- Chronic health issues or mental health disorders
- Active substance abuse
Codependency is most commonly experienced by individuals with mental health disorders. Often, the maladaptive dynamics are protective. For example, a partner of someone with depression may try to shield their loved one from the consequences of their symptoms. Instead of helping, all this does is reduce the need for their loved one to seek treatment, prolonging and worsening their symptoms. Codependency is unhealthy and may interfere with a person’s ability to access and follow through with professional mental health treatment.
How to Recognize the Signs of Codependency
Most people who develop a codependent relationship gradually fall into unhealthy habits and routines. An outside perspective is often the best way to recognize if a behavior or relationship has become maladaptive. For example, people concerned about the quality of their relationships can imagine a loved one in their shoes to see how they would feel about their experiences. Increased self-awareness helps people recognize warning signs and get help early before codependency affects their quality of life.
A few potential signs of a codependent relationship include:
- Lack of boundaries
- Low self-esteem or self-esteem tied directly to the other person or the relationship
- A need to act as a caretaker for the other person regardless of their ability to care for themselves
- Relying on the other person to act as a caretaker for you to function day-to-day
- An excessive need to please the other person, even at risk to your own mental or physical health
- Problems communicating needs
- Chronic pressure, stress, or tension within the relationship
Codependency can happen in any relationship between partners, parents, children, extended family, and close friends. Professional relationships may also become codependent.
Treatment for Codependency at Avery Lane
Avery Lane is an award-winning treatment facility where clients work with a compassionate team of clinicians to identify, process, and manage primary or secondary mental health disorders, substance misuse, trauma, and any underlying issues. The care team helps clients repair damaged relationships, establish clear boundaries, and build a healthy foundation for personal growth. Individuals struggling with codependency often benefit from spending time away from the unhealthy relationship to get treatment.
Avery Lane offers a full continuum of care, including the following:
- Medically assisted detox for women with primary or secondary SUD
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient
- Supportive living
Treatment options include psychotherapy, psychiatry, trauma and family therapy, group therapy, peer engagement, support groups, and other services. Clients have access to a wide range of treatments and collaborate closely with their care team to ensure all aspects of their recovery are addressed within their treatment plan. A family program is also available to help loved ones replace maladaptive behaviors with healthy alternatives.
Moving Forward and Building Healthy Relationships
Women in recovery benefit from positive social interactions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “When people are socially connected and have stable and supportive relationships, they are more likely to make healthy choices and to have better mental and physical health outcomes.” Avery Lane provides women with the information, resources, and skills they need to make healthy choices in their relationships. Codependency does not have to negatively impact a person’s recovery from substance abuse or mental health disorders.
Codependent relationships have a profound impact on a person’s well-being and their sense of self. Women with substance abuse and mental health disorders may struggle with overcoming codependency during treatment. Avery Lane uses psychotherapy, peer support, alternative holistic therapies, and other treatments to help women heal from unhealthy behaviors and maladaptive relationships. To learn more, call us today at (800) 270-2406.
