A Codependent Relationship affects the friends, siblings, parents, spouse, co-workers and many others. They are directly associated with the person who is afflicted with the disease of alcohol and/or drug addiction or dependency. Similar behaviors and patterns are seen in people involved in relationships with those who are chronically or mentally ill. Today, this term has been broadened to describe any and all co-dependent persons from any type of dysfunctional family.

A dysfunctional family is any family with members that suffer from fear, shame, pain, are ignored or have been denied. Underlying problems include the following:

• An addiction by a member of the family using drugs, work, relationships, gambling, sex, food.
• The existence of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse.
• The presence of a member of the family that is suffering from chronic mental or physical illnesses.

Dysfunctional families most times will not acknowledge that problems even exist. They won’t talk about these problems or ever confront them. As the result, these family members soon learn to repress their emotions and disregard their very own needs. They are then seen as “survivors.” They develop maladaptive behaviors that assist in helping them to deny, avoid, and ignore the difficult emotions. They are able to detach themselves. They will not talk. They don’t often touch. They will not confront. They don’t feel the full range of emotions. They have difficulty trusting. Their emotional development is stunted.

The attention and the energy focuses on the family member that is ill and/or addicted. The co-dependent person sacrifices their needs to take care of and assist the sick person. When codependents place another person’s safety and welfare before their very own, they then lose contact with their own sense of self, needs, and desires.

Co-dependents tend to have a low self-esteem and will look for anything outside of self to feel better. They are unable to “be themselves.” Some will try to soothe themselves by use of alcohol, drugs or other addictive behaviors. Some others develop compulsive behaviors such as workaholism, shopping, gambling, or sexual activities.

They do have good intentions though. They try desperately to take care of another whose addicted but the care taking then soon becomes compulsive and very defeating. Co-dependents often will take on the martyr’s role and they become the “benefactors” to the individual in need. Ex: A wife covers for her husband that is an alcoholic. A mother will make excuses for her truant child. A father “pull strings” to keep his child from feeling the pain and suffering of their own consequences resulting from their delinquent behavior.

The problem arises when these repeated attempts to rescue them allow the needy individual the ability to continue on their destructive path and then become that much more dependent on the already unhealthy care taking caused by the “benefactor.” As the reliance increases, the individual that is identified as he co-dependent develops a strong sense of reward and of satisfaction from“being needed and wanted”. When the care taking then is compulsive, the co-dependent soon feels choice less and is helpless in the relationship. They are not able to break away from the cycle of behaviors that cause it. Co-dependents most times view themselves as the victim and find themselves attracted to that same weakness in both love and friendship relationships.

• Exaggerated sense of personal responsibility for all of the actions of others
• Confusing love and pity, with the tendency to oftentimes “love” others they can pity and rescue
• Finding yourself doing more than their fair share, most all of the time.
• Easily hurt and upset when others do not see all they have done.
• A very unhealthy dependence on a relationship. The co-dependent does anything to hold onto the relationship; they want avoid the feelings of abandonment.
• The extreme need for recognition and approval.
• Feeling guilty when they assert themselves.
• An overwhelming and compelling need to fix and control others.
• Lack of self trust in and trust in others.
• Fear of abandonment and being alone.
• Difficulty with identifying their feelings.
• Rigid and unable to go with the flow.
• Problems with others in regards to intimacy and boundaries
• Chronic rage and anger.
• Lying and dishonesty.
• Poor communication skills.
• Difficulty when making decisions

After reading this article has your opinion changed or have you learned more about the codependent relationship? It is an unhealthy one that many individuals are involved in. It’s a pattern and cycle that goes unnoticed by most. It leads to resentments, frustration, anger and hurt feelings. If you think that your involved in a codependent relationship then seek help today. Understand our approach in working with couples and those seeking to be released from the bondage of codependency. You deserve to live your own life free from the expectations and demands you place on yourself. Your job is to focus on your own happiness and wellbeing.

Therapy is a great way to get to the underlying issues that keep us in unhealthy relationships. Start the journey today. Call 407-967-1327. Let’s get started now.