Codependency is a common problem in the United States, with many people struggling with this issue. Not only does codependency harm your mental health, but it can intersect with substance use disorders. In fact, most people who are codependent are in a relationship with someone who has a substance abuse disorder. By pairing the two together, you set up the perfect storm for disaster and trauma. The two conditions feed off each other, creating a vicious cycle of addiction and mental health issues. Overcoming codependency and addiction requires a comprehensive mental health treatment center such as the Atlanta Center for Mental Health. Contact us today at 833.625.0458 to learn more.
Defining Codependency
Codependency begins in a person’s behavior, but it also touches on their emotions too. Sometimes people learn to be codependent from family members. In this type of scenario, it is environmental versus genetic. Other times, people may become codependent just due to their personality traits and being in a situation that brings it out in them.
When codependency is in your life, you can count on it to have a negative effect because it creates havoc in your relationships and life. Seek help from a residential mental health treatment program if you are struggling with codependency.
More About Codependency and the Players
Usually, a codependent person is in a relationship with a person who is abusing a substance. The relationship can quickly turn toxic, and since it usually involves a family member, it complicates matters even more.
In the relationship, a codependent person gains their self-worth and security from the other person, who then uses them to continue with their addiction. The person abusing a substance manipulates the codependent persons into providing cover for them in effect, which helps them to continue their addictive behavior. The person does this by enabling the addicted person to get drugs, money, or transportation to get it. They may also manipulate the codependent person into extending other privileges, such as giving them their medication or lying for them to authorities.
You may wonder why the codependent person would allow such behavior or go along with this. The reason is that their identity is connected to that of the other person. In other words, they feel like they don’t have any worth outside of the other person. So, they need their approval. Also, they think that by sacrificially giving of themselves to the other person, they can help or “save” them. This rarely works and usually only intensifies the problem.
Codependency and Addiction
Codependency is directly related to substance abuse because one person is usually abusing a substance while the codependent person enables. In fact, the dynamic of the relationship relies on this connection. Therefore, it causes a lot of stress and strain on the relationship. Furthermore, it can lead to dangerous interactions as the addicted person is enabled to continue with their drug or alcohol use. In addition, it’s hurtful for the enabler because they lose a lot of their self-esteem and are sometimes the victim of emotional or physical abuse.
Help at Atlanta Center for Mental Health
Overcoming codependency requires hard work and the help of trained professionals and evidence-based therapies. At Atlanta Center for Mental Health, our compassionate and experienced therapists are ready to walk with on your journey to a better life. Our tranquil facility offers several therapeutic options, some of which include:
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Trauma therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
Discover a new lease on life with our mental health therapies. We are prepared to walk you through the challenges of a codependent relationship.
Don’t let mental health disorders steal your peace of mind. Now that you understand the importance of overcoming codependency, it’s time to take the first step by contacting the Atlanta Center for Mental Health. Reach out by calling Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 today, and we’ll walk beside you every step of the way.
