CO-DEPENDENCY

Co-dependency results from close association with an alcoholic or someone addicted to other drugs. A person exhibiting co-dependant behavior may or may not be chemically dependent themselves, but usually has many of the same characteristics as the addicted person. Awareness of this problem has grown over the last few years.

Co-dependent people may lose their individual identity because living with an addicted person hampers one's freedom and ability to express oneself. They learn early on that feelings are not safe if they threaten to disagree or express a difference of opinion. Codependents often feel confused, angry, inadequate, or guilty. By focusing all their attention on the addicted or abusive person, the co-dependents' needs are neglected. This causes long-tern difficulties in identity development, boundary setting, and self-esteem. Co-dependency is characterized by the need to be needed by others to the point of neglecting one's own needs and goals.

Co-dependents usually attract partners who are addictive, abusive, or otherwise dysfunctional, thereby continuing the patterns created in their family of origin.

For more information about co-dependency, talk to your health care provider or a counselor at the BABBCENTER at 824.3772 or 800.458.1755.