Codependency is a term initially used to describe the situation experienced by the spouses of alcoholics. However, research now reveals that the signs of codependency are more prevalent in the general population. For example, a person in a dysfunctional family or taking care of a sick parent is likely to be codependent.
The good news is that codependency is reversible. Seek professional rehabilitation assistance as soon as you identify any signs of affliction.
Poor Personal Boundaries
Boundaries are a set of imaginary lines between you and other people. In general, it’s what you use to divide up what’s yours and what belongs to somebody else. This does not only apply to your person, belongings, or valuables, but also your needs, thoughts, and feelings.
Codependents have weak or blurry boundaries, and this is where they get into trouble. They feel responsible for other people’s problems while blaming their problems on someone else. Furthermore, if someone else asks for their help, they’ll want to help to the point of feeling guilty if they’re unable.
Empathy and sympathy are natural emotions. But codependents often put other people’s interests before their own. People suffering from codependency measure their self-worth in terms of being needed.
Obsessively Controlling Life Events
Rules and regulations make up the pillars of any civilized society. Besides, everyone appreciates having control over their emotions, feelings, etc. However, codependents usually feel safe when they have total control over all aspects of life.
For example, a person may have an addiction, such as alcoholism, that helps them to loosen up. Another one might become a workaholic to stay close to professional relationships.
Codependents also have a strong urge to control the people close to them. They believe other people should behave in a certain way around them so that they can feel okay. Caretaking or people-pleasing behavior is almost always used to manipulate and control people. Alternatively, codependents may be bossy, which violates someone else’s boundaries.
Denial of the Signs of Codependency
A significant challenge in rehabilitation is denial. Many codependents have refused to face their problems. They usually think that it’s someone else in the situation. As such, this means that they’ll either try to fix the other person, keep complaining, or go from one relationship to another without admitting they are at fault.
Signs of codependency also include denial with regards to their needs and feelings. Often, they might not understand what they’re feeling, so they focus on what other people are feeling. The situation is similar when it comes to their needs.
Some codependents even seem needy, but they act self-sufficient when someone offers help. This is because they don’t want to accept they’re vulnerable, thus need love and affection. If your loved one is affected, try to admit them to any form of a rehab facility, including:
- Medical drug detox centers
- Inpatient drug rehab centers
- Outpatient drug rehab centers
- Men’s addiction treatment centers
- Women’s addiction treatment centers
- Aftercare programs
On a final note, don’t suffer in silence if you identify any of these signs of codependency. Right Step will be your valuable partner through the road to recovery. All you need to do is to take the first step by calling us at 1.844.768.0169, and we’ll handle the rest.