While addiction can be an incredibly lonely experience, it often doesn’t exist in a vacuum. In many cases, addiction is intertwined with codependency – a toxic relationship dynamic where one person relies on another to fulfill their emotional needs and sense of self-worth.
Codependency can manifest in various forms, such as enabling behaviors, caretaking, or being overly reliant on the approval of others. These patterns are often learned from childhood experiences and can greatly contribute to the development and maintenance of addiction.
However, breaking free from codependency is essential for achieving long-term recovery from addiction. Here are some steps you can take to start your journey towards independence, healthy relationships, and breaking free from codependency in addiction recovery.
Recognize Codependent Patterns
Codependency can be very difficult to recognize, whether you’re the family member of someone who has substance use disorder or are suffering from addiction yourself. There are several signs, however, that can indicate you are now falling into a dangerous pattern of codependency. Some common signs include:
- Putting other people’s needs before your own
- Enabling destructive behaviors
- Feeling responsible for others’ actions or well-being
- Spending unhealthy amounts of time think of how to “fix” people
- Finding it difficult to imagine yourself outside of helping others
If you recognize any of these patterns in yourself or your relationships, it may be a sign that you are struggling with codependency. Being aware of these patterns is the first step towards breaking free from them.
Seek Professional Help
For those who believe they might be suffering from codependency, it’s important to get help from a certified counselor right away. Codependency can be treated with various different forms of therapy, including the following.
Group Therapy
Most models that treat codependency focus on a 12-step program similar to that of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous groups. This 12-step model includes similar themes, such as admitting that one has a problem with codependency, is powerless over it, and needs help from a higher power to overcome it.
Group therapy provides a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and stories with others who are going through similar struggles. It also allows for the development of support systems outside of the group sessions. Recovered codependents can also provide valuable insight for people with codependency issues.
However, if you’re not sure if the 12-step model is right for you, other forms of group therapy that can address issues at the root of codependency include:
- Skills-based therapy, which focuses on teaching practical skills for improving relationships and setting boundaries.
- Dialectical-behavioral therapy DBT, which might be a good option for those with borderline personality disorder or another personality disorder that causes codependency
- Support groups for loved ones of people with addiction or those with addiction themselves
Family Therapy
Family therapy is critical in codependency recovery and addiction recovery. Research shows that involvement of family not only reduces substance use, but also helps change family dynamics. Many people who struggle with codependency issues are other family members such as siblings, parents or adult children. Family therapy provides a supportive environment where all family members can come together to address their individual issues and work towards healing as a unit.
During family therapy, trained professionals help identify unhealthy patterns and behaviors within the family system that contribute to codependency and addiction. It also allows for open communication and understanding between family members, reducing tension and conflict. Family therapy can also provide families with:
- An education on the disease model of addiction
- Tips on setting healthy boundaries
- Skills and new coping mechanisms
- Effective communication skills to improve relationships
- Problem-solving skills to use between family members
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral individual therapy is one of the most used and well-known approaches in addiction treatment. It focuses on changing harmful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction. The therapy helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes related to substance abuse.
Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, individuals can learn new coping skills to manage cravings and triggers. They also learn how to effectively communicate their needs and emotions, which can improve relationships with loved ones.
For people with codependency issues, CBT can help people learn how to improve self-esteem and improve symptoms of depression. Low self-esteem and self-worth often go hand in hand with codependency, so addressing these underlying issues can lead to healthier relationships and a greater sense of self.
Find the Right Codependency and Addiction Recovery Program Today
It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treating codependency, addiction, or both. That’s why we at Atlanta Recovery Place offer several different therapies to help you and your loved one improve your lives and relationships. Our therapists use evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, art therapy, family therapy, and dual-diagnosis treatment among others to help our clients on their journey to sobriety. If you’re looking for outpatient treatment, PHP, sober living, and other addiction treatment in Atlanta, reach out to our team today. We’re here to help you and your family fight addiction and find lasting recovery.
