Addiction doesn’t only hurt the person dealing with the disease. It also has negative effects on the people they are close with.
Codependency is a common issue in relationships where one or both partners are addicted to drugs. It can be the basis of the relationship, or it can form as the relationship progresses. When codependency happens, both partners need to get help.
This article will discuss addiction and codependency simplified and how both issues can be treated.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is defined as “a biopsychological disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences”. Anyone can be addicted to anything, including drugs.
Drug addiction begins to form when a person builds a tolerance to the drug they are taking. They will need to take more of the drug to get the same effects.
Over time, they may also begin to experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not in their system. They may feel like they have a severe case of the flu and the only way to feel better is to take more of the drug.
Other symptoms of addiction include:
- Financial troubles
- Mood swings
- Withdrawal from social situations
- The development of health conditions
- Troubled relationship
- Legal issues
- Inability to find enjoyment in the things you once loved
What Is Codependency?
Codependency occurs when one partner in a relationship has extreme physical and emotional needs. The other person becomes so devoted to helping their partner, it begins to negatively affect their lives and their other relationships. It can also enable the partner with the disorder to continue to engage in destructive behaviors.
Symptoms of codependency include the following:
- Low self-esteem
- People pleasing
- Caretaking
- Lack of a self of boundaries
- Obsession with the relationship
Codependency can occur in any relationship, but it commonly happens when one or both partners are abusing drugs. And while codependency typically happens with spouses, it can occur in parent-child relationships as well. A child of an addicted or emotionally disturbed parent may feel the need to take on the role of the caretaker in these situations.
Addiction and Codependency Simplified
Basically, codependency occurs when both partners become dependent on each other. The emotionally disturbed person becomes reliant on their partner to care for them, and the partner builds their life around caring for that person forming their own reliance.
And while addiction and codependency can be simplified in language, the relationship formed is very complicated. Fortunately, there are ways to get help.
How To Get Help with Addiction Today
There are many ways to treat addiction and codependency. The first step is to deal with the addiction. This usually requires a multi-course approach that includes detox, therapy, and aftercare.
A patient allows their body to become free of chemicals in detox and they follow up with required therapy. Then an aftercare program is put in place to ensure they maintain sobriety.
Family counseling is typically included in a recovery program. Codependency issues are addressed during these sessions.
There are many rehab centers that offer care for addiction and codependency issues, but Atlanta Recovery Place takes an approach that sets us apart.
We look at each patients’ situation to work out a therapy plan that works best for them. We use a dual diagnosis approach that treats addiction at its root. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatments.
Addiction negatively affects a person and the people they love. Don’t let it tear your family apart. Call Atlanta Recovery Place today. We will help you get back to enjoying the happy life you deserve.
