What is co-dependency?

Co-dependency is an emotional and behavioral disorder that affects people closely related to an addicted person. It can be viewed as a “disease contracted” from the addicted person, although in reality, its roots are usually deeper and more complex. Co-dependent individuals often aren’t aware of their own problem and focus all their energy on trying to manage or control the life of the addicted person.

Characteristics of co-dependency

Co-dependency is characterized by various behaviors and feelings, such as:

• Excessive sense of responsibility for the actions and feelings of other people, especially the addicted person.
• Tendency to deny the problem. Co-dependent individuals often don’t want or can’t admit they have a problem.
• Neglecting oneself. Health, interests, or even basic needs are often overlooked in favor of taking care of the addicted person.
• Fear of abandonment and an obsession with what others think or feel.
• Difficulty in setting boundaries in relationships with others.

Where does co-dependency come from?

Although co-dependency often develops in families where addiction issues are present, its causes are more complex. They can be traumatic experiences from childhood, such as emotional neglect, violence, or other forms of abuse. Many experts also point to dysfunctional communication and behavioral patterns in the family as factors contributing to the development of co-dependency.

Co-dependency treatment

The treatment for co-dependency is similar to addiction therapy. It focuses on:

• Realizing the problem. The first step is understanding and accepting that one has a problem.
• Individual and group therapy. It helps in understanding the sources of the problem and working on changing dysfunctional behavior patterns.
• Support in self-help groups, such as Al-Anon or CoDA (Co-Dependents Anonymous).

Conclusion

Co-dependency is a silent illness that often remains unrecognized and untreated. Co-dependent individuals need support and understanding to break dysfunctional behavior patterns and start caring for their own needs. Discovering one’s own co-dependency and taking action to treat it is the first step towards a healthy life and healthy relationships.