Codependency Treatment and Information

Codependency and substance abuse go hand in hand. It may be the alcoholic or drug addict who suffers from codependency, or it could be the addict's spouse, parent, or other relative. Either way, codependency issues can be addressed at the high-quality treatment centers available through Treatment Solutions Network. Call us today at 877-417-6237.

What is codependency?

Author Melody Beattie, who wrote the best selling book Codependent No More, has defined a codependent person as "one who has let another person's behavior affect him or her, and who is obsessed with controlling that person's behavior."

There's a joke that goes as follows: A codependent wife wakes up in the morning, rolls over, and asks her husband, "So, how do we feel today?"

Codependents might smother their loved one - clinging and killing with kindness. Or they might make excuses and apologize for mistakes that are not theirs. Sometimes codependents will use manipulative tactics in their efforts to control another's behavior.

Codependents "believe we'd be happy if the other person would just change," Beattie wrote in her most recent codependency-related book.

The consequences of codependency are serious

Codependent relationships can have the negative effect of keeping addiction sufferers from seeking alcoholism or drug abuse treatment. A codependent spouse of an addict may enable that addictive behavior - covering for the addict when they miss work, misbehave, or lash out at the children.

It's important for the addict to see the awful consequences of their disease, as this can be the catalyst that pushes them into drug rehab. Enabling behavior benefits no one.

What are the symptoms of codependent behavior?

Codependents may exhibit controlling behavior, distrust, perfectionism, avoidance of feelings, excessive caretaking, or physical illness related to stress. Other codependency symptoms include:

Tendency to place the needs and wants of others first, to the exclusion of acknowledging one's own
Continued investment of self-esteem in the ability to control both oneself and others
Excessive worrying about how others may respond to one's feelings
Self-esteem dependent on approval by others
Undue fear of being hurt/rejected by others

What treatments are there for codependency?

The term codependency has only been known in medical circles since the 1980's, but since then, a variety of treatment options have become available. Most mental health professionals are well-versed in treating codependency, and church groups/community groups will sometimes offer codependency seminars that feature experts in the field.

The substance abuse treatment centers available through Treatment Solutions Network are also highly-trained in treating codependency in addicts. For help in finding treatment for either the addict or the addict's loved one, call our treatment consultants today at 877-417-6237.

12-step group treatments for codependency

Several 12-step groups hold meetings worldwide that deal with codependency issues. These groups include Codependents Anonymous and Al-Anon/Alateen. Another 12-step group that addresses some codependency issues is Adult Children of Alcoholics - growing up with an alcoholic parent often causes emotional scars and unhealthy relationship behaviors, including codependency.

Overcoming codependency doesn't mean shutting down emotionally

Recovering codependents may sometimes be afraid of entering into serious, intimate relationships because of the risk they will resume their destructive codependent behavior- but avoiding intimacy because of such fears is a mistake.

The key to a healthy relationship is setting boundaries - knowing when to say "yes" to a loved one's request, and when to say "no."

Beattie, the codependency author, said this to the Palm Beach Post: "One of the biggest problems I have with the codependent recovery movement is people consider themselves recovered when they don't give to anyone, they're not loving and kind. I have people come up to me so proud that they didn't help somebody who was in dire need. That's not what I'm talking about."

For help in overcoming codependency the RIGHT way, call the specialists at Treatment Solution Network today at 877-417-6237.

No matter your insurance, be it Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross / Blue Shield (BCBS), Assurant, Unicare, United Health Care, Anthem, Carefirst, Asuris Northwest Health, Golden Rule, Celtic Insurance, Fortis, Health Net, Kaiser, Vista, Shelter, Wellpoint, Tri Care, Accordia or even Medicare, and state insurance - we can help you find codependency treatment. We also offer many affordable self pay options as well as luxury treatment