Codependency is a term that is not well known by many individuals or families struggling with addiction. However, it is crucial that this condition is recognized and treated to ultimately help the person suffering from addiction, and improve the quality of life to those close to them. Despite the obstacles, overcoming codependency is possible with chemical dependency treatment in Ft Lauderdale.
Recognizing Codependency
According to Mental Health America codependency is an emotional and behavioral issue that hurts one’s ability to have a happy and healthy relationship. In the case of chemical dependency (substance addiction), codependency often takes root in someone close to the addict such as a spouse, sibling, parent, friend or even child.
A person who is codependent will try to “take care” of the person struggling with chemical dependency by providing for their extreme needs, providing the substance they are dependent on, and help the person escape consequences of their addiction. The codependent person puts the needs of the addict above their own, to the point where caring for the person develops into compulsive and destructive behavior.
Symptoms of codependency also include:
- Exaggerated responsibility for actions of the addict
- Poor communication skills
- Difficulty making decisions
- Anger
- Fear of being alone
- Sense of guilt when being assertive and difficulty identifying feelings
Overcoming Codependency
Codependency is harmful to those who suffer from it, and to those who are the subject of it. However, overcoming codependency is possible with the right education and treatment. Those close to a person suffering from chemical dependency should educate themselves on the dynamics of addiction and how it impacts families and friends. Any behaviors that enable addiction and destructive behavior should be stopped immediately.
Codependent people should work on saying “no” in a firm yet loving way. It is still possible to be supportive without doing everything a person wants. Reevaluating the needs of one’s own self can also be beneficial. Everyone needs to focus on their own needs and take care of themselves before they can help anyone else. Therapy has also proven effective for overcoming codependency.
Therapy can help people rediscover their identity and identify unhealthy behaviors. Ultimately, eliminating codependency can help those struggling with addiction to seek help and give those who are codependent a sense of freedom.
Chemical Dependency Treatment Ft. Lauderdale
Chemical Dependency is debilitating and can cause those who are close to the addict to suffer as well. Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida can help. Serenity House Detox & Recovery offers several programs that treat chemical dependency. Our excellent medical detox helps to combat withdrawal symptoms that often make detox difficult.
Serenity House Detox & Recovery also prepares our clients for the rest of recovery through different therapy strategies including:
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Mental health treatment
Overcoming codependency as well as chemical dependency is possible. Don’t let chemical dependency control your life or the lives of those around you! Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery today at 866.294.5306 to learn more about our programs, chemical dependency, and how it can affect those close to you.
