Am I Experiencing Codependency?

Codependency occurs when one person in a dysfunctional relationship relies on their partner or family member for their emotional needs or sense of self-worth. In addition, codependency happens when a person enables another to continue their addiction, self-destructive behavior, or mental disorder. Therefore, asking yourself ‘Am I experiencing codependency?’ is an excellent way to guard against substance abuse and improve mental health.

Often people in a codependent relationship spend their time and energy trying to maintain the connection while meeting their partner’s needs. They will sacrifice everything for their partner just to gain a sense of power, control approval, or love. However, this can escalate to unhealthy degrees.

Understanding Codependency in Relationships

Codependency can contribute to addiction or other problems in a relationship. Further, nearly any relationship can become codependent. For instance, spouses or intimate partners are most commonly codependent but children and parents can be as can siblings and close friends. No matter what type of relationship, codependency can lead to substance abuse and degrade mental health. The reason for this is that instead of focusing on their problems, codependent persons focus more on not losing the relationship or the dynamic within the relationship. As such, their behavior is just a destructive as the person who has an addiction.

In addition, the codependent person is often seen as the ‘normal one’ who is ‘keeping it all together’. When, in fact, the codependent person also needs help dealing with their emotional issues. For this reason, treatment centers often provide comprehensive care for both the addict and their family members so that everyone can grow beyond addiction together.

Am I Experiencing Codependency?

Since the focus of the addiction is often on the person who has the problem with substance abuse, the codependent element in the relationship often goes unnoticed. This is one of the reasons why relapse can occur. This is why it is important to identify codependency in a relationship.

If you wonder ‘Am I Experiencing Codependency?’ then look out for the following in yourself or the person you’re in the relationship with:

• Inability to make tough decisions regarding the relationship
• Never knowing how to approach the other person
• Seeking approval for all the wrong reasons
• An ongoing fear that the other person will leave the relationship
• An exaggerated sense of being in control or keeping the home together
• Continuing an unhealthy relationship regardless of the consequences

The effects of a codependent relationship are different for every family. Some of the most common things that happen in codependency include:

• Repressed emotions or feelings
• Family members coping with problems instead of dealing with them
• Emotional or mental health disorders that arise out of the conflict
• Some type of abuse: physical, verbal, sexual, or mental
• The end of a relationship – someone finally gives up and walks away

If you do not address the problems that exist in the relationship, they will only get worse. The good news is that there is treatment available. You do not have to take on these problems alone.

Getting Help at Victory Bay

If you are trapped in a codependent relationship, then now is the time to get help. Victory Bay offers comprehensive treatment for codependency. We can help you not just answer the question ‘Am I experiencing codependency?’ but also get the right treatment. To find out more about your treatment options, call [Direct].