Understanding The Relationship Between Codependency and Addiction

Overcoming addiction to alcohol, heroin or other drugs is an epic struggle in itself. When codependency and addiction are combined, successful recovery is even more difficult to achieve. That’s why it is essential to understand codependency and its relationship to substance abuse.

The Mechanics of Codependency and Addiction

Codependency is a relationship pattern that requires two people. One person has an investment in putting the other one’s needs before their own while the second person accepts and reinforces their excessive attention. When addiction enters the mix, the caregiver reinforces and enables the substance abuse. For example, Ben has an addiction to heroin and Lisa is his girlfriend. Lisa frequently calls Ben’s job to make excuses for his absences, which are related to his drug use. Lisa feels good about herself by “helping” Ben, and Ben has a shield from the consequences of his actions. Without help and hard work, neither of these people will get better.

Symptoms of Codependency

Codependency and addiction go together hand in glove, usually with one person more involved in the addiction and the other invested in caring and covering for and even financing the addict. Frequently seen symptoms of the codependent caregiver include the following:

• Low self-esteem that leads to a need to make people happy at all costs
• Inability to create or abide by boundaries or take responsibility for actions
• A strong tendency to control people and situations
• Difficulty communicating
• Dependency on others and negative emotions such as resentment and depression

Because the addict and their codependent are so destructively intertwined, effective addiction therapy services must also address these codependency and addiction issues.

How San Antonio Recovery Center Can Help

Many Texas addiction rehab programs will provide therapy to help people overcome their abuse of alcohol and drugs such as heroin. However, you need additional specialized interventions if you struggle with an addiction while in a codependent relationship. The San Antonio Recovery Center is committed to helping you to address the further complications and challenges that come with the combination of codependency and substance abuse.

Located in San Antonio on a clean and spacious campus that is conducive to healing and recovery, we pride ourselves on our knowledgeable and compassionate staff. As well as being experts in their field, many are in recovery themselves and carry an added understanding of what you are going through. When you come into our community, you can expect the following:

• Thorough physical, social, addiction and psychological evaluation
• Individual and group addiction therapies that work
• Family therapy designed to address codependency and help everyone involved to get beyond it
• Premium treatment at a cost you can afford

Don’t spend the rest of your life in the misery of codependency and addiction. The first step in your recovery journey is just a moment away. Call our caring counselors today at 866-957-7885.