Signs You’re In A Codependent Relationship (And What to Do About It)

Codependency is a type of relationship where one person feels they must care for the other at all costs in order to be worthy of their love and attention. Below is a list of common signs of codependency.

Surprisingly, “codependency” is not an actual medical term, but rather a set of behaviors that can occur in someone who is close to a person with an addiction or other mental health problem. It’s not a mental illness itself, but in many ways, a developed response to dealing with someone with mental illness. For this reason, when seeking a therapist, it’s important to find a compassionate one who is able to understand codependency in the context of the wider relationship.

Below is a list of common signs of codependency. However, every situation is different, it’s important to note that exhibiting these behaviors does not necessarily mean you are in a codependent relationship. A therapist will be able to help you make that distinction.

1) Covering for the other person’s shortcomings

A person in a codependent relationship might feel responsible for the other person’s behavior, leading them to make excuses to the person’s boss or school, or loan money to them to keep them from stealing.

2) Often being worried that the other person will leave

A person exhibiting codependent behavior might experience a deep-seated fear of their loved one leaving them. Because of this, they’ll do just about anything they believe will help keep the relationship alive, even if the relationship is damaging.

3) Focusing on the other person’s emotions

A hallmark of codependent behavior is having difficulty identifying your own emotions and separating them from the other person’s. You might get wrapped up in the emotional life of the addict, riding their rollercoaster and trying to keep them stable so you can feel stable yourself.

4) Putting the other person’s needs before your own

Sometimes, putting the other person first is simply part of a loving relationship. But in a codependent relationship, the individual will place far more importance on the other person’s well-being than their own. They place their self-worth in being able to care for the other person. And when those efforts don’t work, the codependent person can get depressed.

5) Letting go of personal values for the other person’s

A codependent person will stay extremely loyal to someone, even if that person doesn’t deserve their loyalty. They might lay strong boundaries at first, but they’ll ultimately do what they have to in order to avoid the other person’s anger and rejection. For example, they might crave love, but settle for sexual attention. They may lose their own interests and be wrapped up in what the addict likes to do.

6) Keeping track of the other person

It’s one thing to make sure your loved one is safe. But in a codependent relationship, that behavior can become obsessive. They’re worried about the person, and they feel that they have to keep tabs on him or her. A codependent person might spend a lot of time worrying about what their loved one is doing or wondering where they are and ask them often about their plans.

7) Attempting to convince others of the right way to do things

As the codependent person tries to maintain as much stability at home as possible, they may try to control the people around them. They’ll often put themselves in situations where others are dependent on them and will offer advice even when it’s not asked for. They think they can “fix” the addict and help them get better.

8) Avoiding conflict

The codependent person may act very passively around the addicted individual. They’ll use indirect communication, and avoid showing any feelings that might incite the other person’s anger, harsh words, or violence.

9) Self-harm

When outward control doesn’t work, the codependent person might direct that control inward. For example, studies show a correlation between codependent relationships and developing eating disorders. Trying to control one’s body can also take the form of cutting and other self-harm behaviors.

A person in a codependent relationship might not even understand that relationships can operate differently from what they’re experiencing right now. But an interdependent relationship type is more fulfilling, healthier, and attainable.

If you are in a codependent relationship with someone struggling with an addiction, the best thing you can do for your loved one is to help them get into addiction treatment while seeking help for yourself. At The Recovery Village, we understand that addiction affects the whole family. Treatment requires a holistic approach that addresses addiction in the context of the individual’s entire life. Speak to one of our representatives to get any questions answered and learn how we can help.