Codependency is an issue that is often linked to addiction. To overcome addiction and make it last, codependency recovery is necessary. At Beaches Recovery, codependency can be a primary focus of treatment. Take a closer look at what codependency is, how it plays a role in addictive behavior and how to overcome it once and for all.

Defining Codependency

Aggravated young woman talking to counselor about her codependency recovery.Codependency is being too reliant on another person. Usually, this isn’t just about physical reliance, but emotional and psychological reliance. Codependency, then, is a two-way street. It requires one person to be dependent and another person to supply that support and care-taking beyond what is truly necessary.

Codependency can exist in all kinds of relationships and situations. However, it often happens because one person cannot support themselves. They may lack confidence, or they may simply lack the life skills it takes to function independently. Often, those who need that extra care-taking struggle with some form of physical or mental illness. This includes addiction.

How Codependency Enables Addiction

Addiction, of course, is a disease that impacts the body as well as the brain. It makes sense that codependency would, therefore, be a concern for anyone who struggles with addiction. Often, codependency recovery is necessary for both parties to start functioning in a healthy way.

When a person is dealing with substance abuse, a lot of things can start to go wrong. Drug or alcohol users might struggle financially, and they might lose their jobs. They could alienate and let down loved ones, and they might lose custody of their children. They could even lose their homes or their cars.

When these things happen, it is natural to want to help. That’s where the second half of a codependent relationship begins. Family members or friends don’t want to see their loved ones struggling with addiction, so believing they are helping, they begin enabling behaviors.

Enabling could mean giving someone using drugs a place to stay, or it could mean providing them with money. It might mean listening to their excuses, or it could mean lying on their behalf. Whatever the exact behavior, it will only serve to worsen the addiction and make recovery that much harder in the long run.

Why Family Involvement is Key to Recovery

Clearly, codependency recovery involves more than just one person. That’s why family involvement is key to the equation. At Beaches Recovery, family therapy can be a focus for those struggling with codependency.

In addition to treating the addiction itself, there needs to be a healthy family situation. Whether it’s parents, spouses or children doing the enabling, they should learn how to offer support without creating obstacles to real recovery. Plus, therapy can open up the lines of communication to make the healing process a little bit easier for everyone involved.

Targeted Therapy and Life Skills Training Can Make a Difference

Another significant part of codependency recovery is ensuring that clients can have an independent lifestyle after rehab ends. That means equipping clients with the tools, skills, and resources they need moving forward.

Life skills training can mean everything from financial budgeting to meal preparation. Practicing these skills makes it easier to transition to an independent lifestyle without needing to rely heavily on others. It also shows individuals how to make health and wellness a priority. This might mean learning the importance of nutritious meals, or it might be getting in the habit of regular exercise.

Beginning Codependency Recovery at Beaches

At Beaches Recovery, codependency recovery can be part of any targeted and customized treatment plan. The beauty of focusing on each client’s individual needs is that the treatment can be incredibly potent. If you or your loved one is preparing to overcome both addiction and codependency, a wide range of treatment methods might be helpful. Just a few potential treatments and therapies can include:

When codependency recovery is the goal, comprehensive addiction treatment has to be a priority. At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, clients can gain the tools they need for lifelong strength and sobriety. Call 866.605.0532 if you’re ready to get started and take back control over your life.