Emotional support and motivation from family members and loved ones are critical in helping someone overcome addiction. However, some relationships can enable addiction and prevent the substance abuser from getting treatment. This relationship is a type of codependency and is often dysfunctional, one-sided, and unhealthy. You can break this unhealthy connection by knowing the signs of codependency. Your loved one can then get help at an addiction treatment center in Davie, FL, or elsewhere.
Codependency and Addiction
When codependency exists, the person struggling with drug or alcohol abuse becomes heavily dependent on their spouse, child, or another family member to take care of them. This might be one of the telltale signs of codependency, although there are others.
The person providing help is called the codependent or supporter and is often controlled by their loved one’s addictive behaviors. The codependent also unintentionally enables the addicted person to continue substance abuse. For example, providing food, shelter, or money to buy drugs or alcohol, or bailing them out of jail.
Codependents may provide unconditional support out of guilt or pity, instead of trying to prolong the problem. Needless to say, accepting the addictive behaviors and providing unconditional love or security actually worsens the addiction.
Signs of Codependency with a Substance Abuser
You may be in this toxic relationship with a substance user if you notice the following common signs of codependency:
- You feel responsible for taking care of the substance abuser
- You neglect personal needs to satisfy theirs
- You lie for him/her or cover up their actions
- You always take the blame or feel the need to fix him/her
- You do things to support their unhealthy behaviors
- You feel worthy only when you meet the needs of the dependent
The codependent person often experiences a reduced quality of life from spending their time, energy, and resources on meeting the physical and emotional needs of the dependent. In some cases, partners who are both abusing drugs become codependent on each other. It is usually more difficult for either of them to quit since their mutual codependency reinforces each other’s addictive behaviors.
How Codependents Can Help End Addiction
If you’ve noticed the signs of codependency, perhaps it’s time to end the enabling behaviors. Your spouse, child, or friend can then finally get the help they need to recover and stay sober. While it may seem extreme or heartless, the person needs to face the consequences of substance abuse. You may have to remove their comforts, such as room and board, or allow them to face the law. But it doesn’t always have to come to this. You can ask a rehab near how to enroll your loved one into their substance abuse treatment program.
Healing from Addiction at Atlantic Recovery Center
Being the codependent of an addicted family member or being the dependent yourself can make it more difficult for you to get sober. The good news is, we can help with a comprehensive treatment approach that accommodates all parties involved. At Atlantic Recovery Center in Davie, FL, there is a host of programs and therapies for addiction and healing from codependency. They include:
- Outpatient rehab program
- Inpatient rehab treatment program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Our therapists can use one or more therapies to treat addiction and codependency. For instance, family therapy can help you and your loved ones learn how addiction affects the family and how to break the addict/codependent relationship. Family members will also develop skills to deal with addiction without feeling the need to solve the problem themselves.
Healing for the entire family and loved ones is possible. Begin the journey in a compassionate environment at Atlantic Recovery Center. Call 1-866-824-5193 to learn more.