Learn about the 4 steps of codependency recovery as well as available treatment options and support groups.
Codependencycan hinder a loved one’s sobriety because it often involves enabling behaviors, which can make it easier for a loved one to continue using drugs or alcohol. When a person who is addicted never faces the consequences ofabusing substances, they may never develop the motivation to change.
Many codependent people enable theirfriends or family membersbecause they believe that they’re helping them. However, enabling can perpetuate the addiction and lead to more severe long-term consequences.
The Four Steps of Codependency Recovery
While codependency and addiction are typically treated in an addiction treatment center, there are also steps a person can take on their own to break unhealthy patterns and overcome codependent tendencies. Following these four steps is a good starting place for both the codependent caretaker and their loved one:
1. Abstinence
Sobriety is essential for significant changes in acodependent relationship. When one or both parties are engaging in self-destructive drug or alcohol use, there will be little opportunity to improve the relationship.
[elementor-template id="4848"]2. Awareness
Important and lasting changes begin with the awareness of a problem. Though it may be challenging for someone to acknowledge that they’re in a codependent relationship, it is necessary for making positive changes in the relationship.
3. Acceptance
Both parties must accept that the current state of their relationship causes them unhappiness and suffering and that they both have played a role in that suffering. After accepting these realities, both partners must understand the work and changes that must occur for a healthier, happier life.
4. Action
Acceptance and awareness can only go so far. To change the relationship, there must be changes in behaviors. Such changes include improving communication, decreasing behaviors that enable addiction and increasing behaviors that support a healthy relationship.
Therapy for Codependency
The best treatment for codependency for both parties ispsychotherapy. Therapy focuses on understanding behaviors and changing reactions to lead to positive outcomes. Some of the most successful interventions for codependency include cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy and group therapy.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:Cognitive behavioral therapycan help individuals recognize and change negative, codependent patterns of thought and beliefs to change their behaviors. This treatment aims to teach the codependent person how to recognize personal problems and separate them from those of the addicted individual.
- Family Therapy:Family therapycan interrupt dysfunctional and unhealthy interaction patterns between people in a codependent relationship and teach family members new ways of interacting. It can also reduce the impact of codependency on parents, children and extended family.Couples therapy is a more focused form of family therapy for individuals in codependent marriages or intimate partnerships.
- Group Therapy:Group therapyprovides codependent individuals with a safe and appropriate space to express their feelings, learn communication and problem-solving skills and discuss their experiences with others who understand.
Codependency Support Groups
Once a person is nearing the end of treatment for codependency, becoming a part of a support group can help them stay on track. One of the most popular support groups for people living with codependency isCodependents Anonymous (CoDA), a 12-step program that can help people struggling with codependency learn healthy habits and behaviors from other people dealing with similar issues. CoDA meets in many communities across the country and is free to join.
If you or a loved one is living with co-occurring codependency and addiction, The Recovery Village can help. To learn more, call The Recovery Village today tospeak with a representative.