The word “codependent” is often thrown around in popular culture and language. It’s sometimes used to refer to people who seem attached at the hip in a relationship and can’t seem to go a few moments without being together.
But people use this word and don’t realize how serious it really is and how many people are hurt because of codependency. At Beachcomber Recovery South Florida, we’ve worked with many individuals hurt by codependency, either in their own life or with someone they love. That’s why it’s important to understand it for what it is and look for ways to heal and become free from it.
What is Codependency?
Codependency can be defined as a “mental, emotional, physical, and/or spiritual reliance on a partner, friend, or family member.”
Other features of codependency include:
- It is a learned behavior, often passed down from one generation to another.
- It prevents an individual’s ability to have a healthy relationship.
- It was first identified in the context of Alcoholics Anonymous and studying relationships in families with alcoholics.
- It is often associated with people who struggle with alcohol or drug dependence.
Codependency prevents people from establishing healthy, happy relationships. And codependent people need help! 12-step recovery programs, like the one at Beachcomber Recovery South Florida, are designed to bring healing and freedom from codependency and should be one of the first lines of defense for those who are struggling.
How to Recognize if you are Codependent
But before you can get help, you need to recognize the problem. Here are some warning signs to recognize if you are codependent:
- An unhealthy dependence on relationships—will do anything to avoid the dissolution of a relationship, despite it being negative or toxic.
- Fear of being alone or abandoned.
- Intimacy and boundaries problems.
- Poor communication, including frequent lying or dishonesty.
- Give up your own life to be with the other person.
- No longer spending time with other family or friends.
- Excessive attempts to please the person and excessive need for recognition.
These are just some of the signs that may be present. You can also complete this questionnaire to identify more signs of codependency. If you believe you may be codependent, it’s important to seek out professional help from someone who has experience working with codependents.
Codependency 12-Step Recovery Programs
The first step towards health and growth is always recognizing the problem. In the stages of codependency, the recovery process starts when you reach out for help. One of the primary ways to do this is with a 12-step recovery program, which can help you rebuild your sense of identity outside of that codependent relationship.
There are four pillars of 12-step recovery programs that we teach at our Beachcomber’s South Florida drug and alcohol treatment centers:
- Admitting you are powerless.
- Taking responsibility for the harm you did.
- Being willing to make amends.
- Taking what you learned and helping others.
The 12-step recovery program, most famous as Alcoholics Anonymous, has helped people overcome their addictions for decades. It has helped free many people from codependency and goes on to live a full life without their relationship addiction. If you want to learn more about codependency, 12-step recovery programs, or other treatment options at Beachcomber’s South Florida drug and alcohol treatment center, please contact us today! The best time to start is now—don’t give over any more of your life to codependency but reach out for help today.