The Destructive Signs of Codependency

Drug addiction is a nasty business. So many people are guilty of underestimating its destructive power. We all know what it does to the addict. It turns their life upside down. Unfortunately, there is collateral damage that goes with the addiction package. That collateral damage comes in the form of how it affects the people around the addict. If you know someone close to you who is suffering from addiction, you should be wary of the signs of codependency.

The Definition of Codependency

Before we address the signs of codependency, you should know what codependency means. By definition, codependency is the relationship between a person with extreme needs and a person who responds to those needs. With addiction, the addict is dependent on their drugs. The codependent person is the one who makes it easier or acceptable for the addict to pursue what they want.

The Problem With Codependency

We have all heard the term enabler. An enabler is a person who coddles someone and helps them get what they want or need. The enabler usually does this to avoid seeing a friend or loved one upset or in distress. That’s the link that forms in an addiction-based codependent relationship.

The problem this creates is ironic. What the addict needs is help for his or her addiction. This would undoubtedly diminish unhappiness or distress. Unfortunately, the addict has very little motivation to get help if their enablers are making it easy for them to maintain their addiction. The way an enabler helps is counterproductive to what the addict really needs.

Signs of Codependency

Consistently, most enablers have a similar personality profile. The relevant personality traits manifest themselves into the signs of codependency. These signs include:

• Low self-esteem–the enabler seeks acceptance through cooperation
• Unhealthy relationships–the codependent person usually has a history of bad relationships
• People-pleasing–enablers are always concerned with how others view them. They want to please
• Care-taking personality–the enabler always feels responsible for the welfare of others
• Obsessed with relationships–enablers seem preoccupied with building and maintaining relationships to the point of obsession

Beaches Recovery – A Premier Rehab Center

Beaches Recovery sits in Jacksonville, Florida. As a premier rehab center, we proudly serve our patients by offering custom treatment plans, using the following options:

• A detox program at Tides Edge
• Outpatient and inpatient treatment options
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Family counseling services
• Aftercare options such as transitional and sober living

If a loved one is suffering from an addiction, they don’t need someone telling them everything’s okay. They need a path to treatment. If you want more information about codependency, contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532. If you’re going to be supportive, support your loved ones need for addiction help.