Codependency and Addiction – Do They Go Hand in Hand?

Many factors feed into drug or alcohol addiction. The codependent relationship is one of them, studies show. Codependency stems from a lack of confidence into own abilities, low self-worth, and poor communication skills. When that translates into a situation where one of the people is addicted, the issue becomes even worse. A codependent partner who is usually avoidant and over-protective ends up doing things to please the other person, without being aware they’re supporting addictive behaviors. Because of it, it becomes harder and harder to suggest a rehab. This article, brought to you by Bright Futures Treatment Center, can help you uncover how codependency and addiction go hand in hand, and what steps to take.

It’s difficult to admit that addiction problems your significant other is facing have gone too far. However, there is a solution to it. Some of the best rehabs in Florida specialize in interventions and a wide range of addiction treatments. They also provide residential stays where your loved one can have a safe, distraction-free recovery journey. We at Bright Futures Treatment Center stand at your disposal, so feel free to let us know how we can help.

The link between codependency and addiction

Codependency isn’t limited to partnerships only. It extends to family relationships, friendships, and close relations in general. When one puts the needs of the other person all the time, it’s one of the most noticeable signs of codependency. People with low self-esteem, and a constant feeling of inadequacy usually behave this way. They would go above and beyond to please a person they care for. This is also a matter of a deeply-rooted fear of abandonment. Once drug and alcohol addiction enters the relationship, existing negative behaviors get worse. The same applies to codependent behavior. Therefore, it’s safe to say that codependency comes before addiction.

It’s a common misconception that a partner struggling with addiction is always the one who is codependent. An individual with addiction problems can be emotionally demanding, domineering, and at times aggressive. However, it’s the person who takes on a role of a caretaker that is deemed codependent. Codependent behavior is present among:

• Children of people struggling with addiction.
• Close friends and family members of a person with addiction problems.
• Partner of a person engaging in drug abuse and related harmful behaviors.

Psychology of a codependent individual

These are some of the common signs of a codependent individual:

• Afraid to speak up their mind and communicate their needs.
• Over-protective and self-sacrificial.
• Afraid to anger the other person by letting them know about their problem.
• Running to help the other person every single time they have a bad day.
• Feeling like they owe them attention all the time.
• Lack of communication skills.
• People-pleasing tendencies.
• Inability to set boundaries.

Codependent individual lets relationship define their self-worth

An individual can be financially independent, business-savvy, capable to live on their own, and yet to be influenced by relationships they have with people they deem close. Relationship with a person who they value the most defines their entire being. Therefore, it’s difficult for a codependent individual to stand up to their loved one and face them with the problem they have. Instead, they do all they can to accommodate the needs of an addicted close one, who might also abuse their influence. That way, codependent people place themselves in a submissive position where the needs of their close ones are of the utmost importance.

The codependent person feels under the pressure to please other people

Fear of abandonment is deeply rooted in the subconscious of a codependent person, even when the significant other/parent/friend has drug problems. They will come up with a bunch of excuses for why their loved one behaves a certain way. For example, partner A who notices that partner B is developing a drug problem will try to draw attention to the problem. Partner B will try their best to manipulate partner A into thinking that everything is alright, using plenty of excuses. They might also exhibit aggressive behavior. In that case, partner A goes silent and accepts what they’re told.

The excuses range from “He/She’s just having a bad period, and needs to vent out.” to “It doesn’t happen that often.” (drinking, doing drugs…). Although partner A sees partner B is developing a severe problem, partner A will rather people-please than seek help. They are either afraid of partner B’s negative reaction, or blindly believe partner B has control over the situation.

Codependent people are easy to manipulate by addicted loved ones

Due to a lack of self-esteem and poor or non-existent boundaries, codependent people will do anything to please their loved ones whose approval matters to them. Therefore, it becomes easier for individuals with addiction problems to manipulate their child, friend, family member, or significant other. Because of it, it becomes more and more difficult for the addicted individual to actually seek help.

Instead of going to rehab, addicted individuals stay at the apartment of a codependent person. They understand that a codependent partner or family member won’t refuse to give them money and provide for them in general. Furthermore, they take advantage of a codependent’s chronic feeling of guilt.

What to do if you are the codependent one

If you have recognized yourself as a codependent partner, rest assured it’s not too late to take a different course of action. So, take a step back and ask yourself the following questions:

• In what ways do I encourage my partner’s/parent’s/friend’s addiction?
• Do I have a fear of being abandoned?
• Why did I refuse to get help when it was necessary?

These aren’t the easiest questions to answer. However, once you do, you’ll feel a lot more liberated. It’s better to admit your responsibility now than later, and take steps to change your behavior.

Stage an intervention

It will take a group of close people to convince your close person to get help. Therefore, speak with other family members, and friends, and discuss how you’re going to intervene. Let them know it should happen in peace, without verbal fights, accusations, and judging. All of you will need a lot of patience in order to execute the intervention the right way.

Remember that you’re doing this for your loved one’s well-being. So, prepare for unexpected insults, accusations, and other harsh words that mostly stem from feelings of helplessness. When they refuse rehab, addicts see everyone convincing them otherwise as the enemy.

Consider therapy

To get out of the people-pleasing loop, you have to uncover where the codependency issues come from. By doing so, you have a chance to change your life for the better. A licensed therapist is someone who will explain in a professional, non-judgemental way how codependency is equally bad for you and for your loved one with a drug problem. Therapists use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when treating codependent issues.

Break a codependent relationship

If your significant other is abusive, in addition to being a drug and alcohol addict, the best you can do is leave the relationship. As much as it’s hard to accept, you’re not obligated to feed into their self-destructive behaviors only to suffer through physical and mental abuse. Ask your closest ones whom you trust to help you stay accountable if you find it difficult to leave that partnership. Codependency is a psychological issue. Solving it takes time, self-work, and help. Don’t hesitate to confide in someone you trust and ask for advice.

Don’t drain all your savings

If you end up funding your loved one’s addiction recovery, make sure to draw clear boundaries. Let them know you will contribute to their addiction treatment exclusively. Once they are discharged from the hospital, they must bear full responsibility for their future actions.

Individuals with codependency issues tend to deplete all their finances for the sake of their loved one’s well-being. It also happens even when they relapse once again. Furthermore, it happens that a recovering individual turns to their codependent close person for resources – mainly financial. This is why clear boundaries are important for you. That way, you won’t fall into another guilt-tripping cycle.

You’re not responsible for your loved one’s future decisions

Once the rehab is over, remind yourself that it’s your loved one’s responsibility for their future. You’re not obligated to find them a job and constantly cater to their needs. It’s not your problem if they haven’t learned to respect your boundaries and appreciate all you’ve done for them.

When a codependent partner is also an addict – then what?

It’s not uncommon for a codependent person to participate in occasional drug use, only to find themselves in the claws of addiction. This is one of the hardest situations to be in. Not only a codependent person places the needs of their partner above their own, but they also engage in continuous drug abuse. It’s usual for these couples that one of them also abuses their influence and manipulate the codependent one to meet their needs at all cost. In order to break this toxic cycle, both parties must understand they need help, which is the best-case scenario. On the other hand, an intervention is more than necessary.

It’s not too late to get help

Battling codependency and addiction at the same time is a long road. If you are in a partnership where you are the codependent one, also engaging in drug abuse, the first thing to do is come clean to your loved ones. It’s the first step toward your physical and mental recovery. The fact that both of you engage in self-destructive behaviors means it’s time to take a break from one another and consider rehab.

Ask for professional help

If the intervention doesn’t work despite your efforts, then it’s time to contact professionals. Experience addiction experts can conduct a professional intervention and convince your loved one to enter drug rehab in Boynton Beach (or alcohol rehab). It’s good to have them on call and ask for additional instructions.

If you are the one who needs help as well, don’t hesitate to turn to someone you trust for help. Let them know you want to get better and overcome addiction for good. Entering rehab isn’t something to feel uncomfortable about. Your decision to turn your life around and rise above toxic and self-destructive habits is a sign of the courage and strength you have within you. You can indeed live a life marked by self-love, self-care, and choices that contribute to your life for the better.

Rehab centers provide residential stays

If the drug addiction of your loved one has gone for too long, chances are they’ll have to enter inpatient rehab Boynton Beach centers have on offer. Inpatient rehab includes:

• accommodation
• 24h supervision
• ongoing care
• safe environment
• medical and psychological help at hand 

For those who would rather stay close to family and friends, there is an intensive outpatient program (IOP), also known as partial hospitalization. Unlike intensive inpatient programs, iop Boynton Beach treatment centers have to offer are a lot less restrictive. Instead of living in a residential area, patients are obligated to come to the center 3-5 times a week and spend several hours each day. The intensive outpatient program is flexible and allows patients to continue their work, and provide for families. On the other hand, individuals who enter inpatient treatment have better chances for successful recovery.

Medical detox vs. self-withdrawal

Addiction knows no age or personality type. It takes over one’s life before you know it. So, don’t let your loved one convince you that self-withdrawal is more effective than medically assisted detox. This is a common excuse addicts have in order to avoid rehab altogether and further manipulate you. In fact, withdrawals are painful, sometimes to the point of being excruciating. That’s why drug and alcohol addicts rather want to believe they have control of the situation than enter rehab. It’s a never-ending delusion you shouldn’t contribute to.

If you’re on the recovery journey, rest assured that medically assisted detox is the safest way to remove the substances from your system. By doing so, you’ll be able to participate in an adequate rehab program.

Look for rehab centers that provide the kind of treatment you or your loved one need

The drug problem your loved one has will determine what kind of treatment is best for them. If it’s a heroin addiction, look for heroin rehab Boynton Beach programs. In general, search for rehab centers that offer a wide range of treatments, including psychotherapy. Psychotherapy for addiction is widely utilized as a means to tackle the psychological and subconscious sides of addiction. During the sessions, the patient starts recognizing the motives behind addiction-related behaviors. As they learn the consequences of self-destructive habits, they also learn about self-care, and what it entails. A licensed psychotherapist is someone who will guide a patient to the solution, and help them face feelings they have been running away from for a very long time.

The psychology behind addiction is important to address before the patient is discharged from the center. It’s a segment of addiction that can’t be solved through medical detox and abstinence only. When a patient is aware of what drives their addiction patterns, they will be motivated to remain sober as long as possible.

It’s possible to pay for rehab with insurance

One of the common questions people ask before entering rehab is “does insurance cover drug rehab or alcohol rehab?”. The answer is positive; you can apply for an insurance coverage plan that will fund the majority of addiction treatments. However, you must consider the following:

• Find a specific insurance plan and read the criteria for applying. Are you eligible for it?
• Next, search for a nearby rehab center that does accept insurance coverage. Simply ask “Does Humana cover alcohol rehab at your center?”.

In case the rehab center doesn’t accept your chosen insurance plan, ask about acceptable insurance options. Check if you qualify for them. Ask at the center, for example, does Cigna cover drug rehab (or any other insurance plan for that matter).

The staff at your chosen rehab center can help you with the admission process

No matter what insurance plan you choose, you’ll have to deal with administration. Besides asking questions like “does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover drug rehab“, ask about the application steps. You’ll save plenty of time and energy by letting the professionals simplify all the work for you. Also, don’t skip asking them what to do in case your application gets rejected. Find out whether you can re-apply, or if there are other insurance plans that cover a large portion of the rehab.

Bright Futures Treatment Center provides all treatments for a complete recovery

We at Bright Futures Treatment Center understand the complexities of addictions and the impact it has on relationships. Thus we offer specific treatment programs designated for different kinds of addictions. You will receive ongoing care in a supportive surrounding, where professionals in the field of addiction treatments work in your favor.

We combine medical assistance and psychotherapy

From the moment you begin your recovery journey at our rehab center, you will have all your needs taken care of. As one of the best crack cocaine rehab Boynton Beach treatment centers, we commit our efforts to helping patients overcome severe addiction disorders. Therefore, we couple medical treatments with specific psychotherapy for addiction.

We also utilize Dual Diagnosis treatment when treating addictions and co-occurring psychiatric diseases. Due to prolonged drug abuse, anxiety, major depressive disorder, and other mental health issues become even more serious. Thanks to the team of experienced addiction psychiatrists, we come up with a custom-made recovery plan. It’s done in a way that benefits both addiction recovery and mental health treatments.

Our Aftercare program involves a family therapy

We strongly encourage Aftercare treatment after the rehab program is done. It’s designed to help you transition back to society and cope with daily life challenges in the best way possible. Aftercare treatment is essential during the first months of sobriety when the risk for relapse is the highest. Each day is crucial when you’re getting used to the sober life. For that reason alone, an appointment with the therapist is important to have every week. In moments of crisis, having a therapist on call comes in handy. Furthermore, a therapist can help you make your relapse prevention plan a habit.

At some point during your aftercare treatment, it will be welcome to have your closest family embers present. Family therapy during and after addiction treatment increases the chance of success among patients. Simply put, family support means a lot during the ongoing rehab. Moreover, it’s motivational for both you and your family to see how far you’ve come. Finally, broken relationships due to behaviors related to addiction are easier to mend thank to family therapy included in Aftercare treatment.

Final words

It takes time to unlearn behaviors related to codependency and addiction. However, it’s not impossible to achieve. It’s a long process through which you end up learning a lot about yourself and your loved one(s). The addiction recovery journey isn’t all about staying drug-free. It’s also the process of rebuilding your life and rediscovering your self-worth and strength. All it takes is an intention to embark on a recovery journey, and a team of expert clinicians to help you stay the course. So, feel free to contact Bright Futures Treatment Center and leave self-destructive, addictive habits in the past.