It can be tough to realize when certain helpful behaviors are harmful to your relationship. Many people involved in codependent relationships are not familiar with the concept or do not understand how codependency functions. Knowing the signs of codependency can help you discover when your relationship may be keeping you or your loved one stuck in addiction. Family therapy programs are designed to pinpoint codependent behaviors and replace them with healthy behaviors that encourage the health and happiness of all parties.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand that it can sometimes be difficult to know when a behavior is helping or hurting your loved one with an addiction. Our family therapy programs can guide you and your loved ones through the recovery process and help you all learn how to turn codependent relationships into healthy, supportive relationships. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about how our family therapy programs can help you and your family heal together.
What Is Codependency, and How Does It Relate to Addiction?
You may have heard the term codependency mentioned before but did not know what it meant. Codependency refers to a relationship in which one partner has considerable physical or emotional needs. The other partner forgoes their own needs to care for the other and enable their behavior.
The latter partner is an enabler, allowing and even facilitating the unhelpful behavior of the person with extreme needs. These needs can be anything from mental health conditions to addiction. For example, a person with alcoholism may be in a relationship with a person suffering from a low self-image who tries to hide their partner’s drinking problem from others for fear of stigma or pressure to send them to rehab. Even though the alcohol addiction interferes with their lives, the enabler does not want to confront their partner about it.
Several factors can put you at a higher risk of being involved in a codependent relationship:
- You suffer from anxiety.
- You have low self-esteem.
- You’re a people pleaser.
- You are plagued by self-defeating thoughts.
If you experience any of these high-risk factors, Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston can help.
How Do You Know If You Are in a Codependent Relationship?
Unhealthy dynamics in a relationship could be due to codependency. If you or your partner is an enabler, you may show some of the following signs:
- You avoid conflict at all costs, so you do not confront your partner about their substance abuse.
- You’re in denial about your partner’s substance use disorder even though they show obvious signs and others have pointed it out.
- You have given up on your own interests and goals to tend to your partner’s addiction demands.
One of the most valuable methods of addressing codependency is therapy. Both individual and family are an essential part of recognizing and changing codependent behaviors that can make it more challenging to achieve lasting sobriety. A therapist may help bring attention to dysfunctional or distorted thought patterns, such as self-defeating thoughts. These may be facilitating the unhealthy dynamics in the relationship.
Seek Support at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston Today
Being in a codependent relationship when you are suffering from addiction can be a challenge. Some of the dangers include:
- The person with addiction may not get the help they need because their partner denies there is a problem and does not encourage treatment.
- Your partner may display a lack of support throughout treatment to avoid admitting there is a substance use disorder.
- Your partner may sabotage the person with addiction’s efforts to get clean to maintain the current unhealthy roles of sufferer and caregiver.
Healing codependent relationships is crucial for lasting sobriety. To help support you throughout your recovery, Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston provides family therapy programs as part of our addiction treatment. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn how our comprehensive drug addiction treatment programs can help you enjoy a healthy, happy, clean lifestyle.
