Overcoming Codependency in Addiction Recovery

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people hugging in therapy, overcoming codependency

Has someone told you that you’re codependent, or do you suspect that you might have this problem? The chances are that you do if you are looking into it. Overcoming codependency is essential in having successful relationships and preventing relapses if you are seeking treatment for substance abuse.

Overcoming Codependency and Addiction

Codependency and addiction are closely related. When you are in a codependent relationship, you rely too heavily on another person to fulfill your emotional needs. It may also manifest as enabling another person’s unhealthy behaviors to your detriment. 

When you’re codependent, you make the other person happy in the hope of fulfilling your emotional needs.  When that doesn’t happen, anger and resentment often build inside, but you hide these to keep the relationship going. In a sense, codependency is a type of addiction. Yet, you may turn to substances to cope with the pain and anger you may feel toward your partner.

Having codependent behavior interferes with a full recovery from substance abuse. You must treat the codependency as well as the addiction to lead a healthy life. If you only treat the addiction, you may relapse during an unhealthy relationship in the future. Enrolling in an addiction treatment program is essential for a higher chance at lifelong recovery.

Kemah Palms offers inpatient addiction treatment in Kemah, TX. Kemah Palms also offers:

Our professional therapists work to find the root cause behind your addiction and codependency.

Tips for Overcoming Codependency

You must set boundaries and learn to love yourself to overcome this behavioral condition. Also, learn what constitutes a healthy relationship to avoid those that are dysfunctional. Spying on your partner, for example, isn’t an acceptable thing to do. If your partner has spied on you or snooped through your phone, don’t make excuses for them either. 

Other signs of being codependent are:

  • Difficulty saying “no”
  • Neglecting self-care while caring for others
  • Having trouble with honest communication
  • Feeling responsible for the actions of others
  • Fear of being abandoned
  • Intimacy issues

To avoid getting into a codependent relationship, you should clearly define what behaviors you won’t tolerate from your partner. Maybe you don’t want to date someone who has a child. Know what your deal breakers are, and never make exceptions for them. This will weed out not only abusive people but those you won’t feel happy with in the long run.

Do You Need to Work on Overcoming Codependency?

Codependent behavior prevents you from enjoying a healthy, successful relationship, so it’s important you work on overcoming the issue. This condition can lead to addictions, cause relapses, and make it more difficult to overcome addiction.

If you suspect you may be codependent, you can consult with one of our therapists. This behavior condition can be a symptom of a mental health disorder like a borderline personality disorder. Kemah Palms offers dual diagnosis treatment if you’re diagnosed with more than one condition to treat both at the same time. It’s common for those with a substance abuse problem to also have another condition that needs addressing. We will determine if your substance abuse is causing a psychological disorder or vice versa.

It’s possible to enjoy the happy, loving relationship you dream of once you put an end to codependent behavior. Contact us today for help in overcoming addiction and codependent behavior.