Most will agree that it is not out of the ordinary for two people in a committed relationship to want to support one another. And this could be in the form of emotional, financial, or physical support, all of which are part and parcel of a strong, healthy, and loving relationship. However, there is a fine line between being supportive and being codependent.
While the former can forge a tighter bond and deepen feelings of love, the latter can quickly spell trouble. And this is especially true for those in a relationship where addiction serves as a third wheel. According to addiction experts in many rehab facilities across Florida, codependency can lead to a frayed relationship. More than that, it can make it that much harder for someone with a drug or alcohol problem to achieve sobriety.
What You May Not Have Known About Codependency but Probably Should
Although more common in marriages and romantic relationships, codependency can also exist between siblings, friends, and even parent-child relationships. In some cases, an unyielding desire to support and be there for someone struggling with addiction can have unintended consequences, one of which is pushing someone further down a path of self-destruction and addiction. Furthermore, those efforts almost always give way to those well-intended individuals losing sight of things important in their own life. For these reasons, nearly all of the more than 220 residential rehab facilities in Florida, much like other states, offer family counseling as a way to address and combat codependency in relationships.
What Are the Signs of Codependency in a Relationship?
Understanding that codependency can take a toll on all kinds of relationships, let’s take a look at some of the signs typical of having a mental, emotional, or physical reliance of this kind on another human being. According to many addiction therapists in rehab facilities in Central Florida, for example, some of the more common signs of codependency in a relationship include the following:
- An inability to set relationship boundaries
- Growing angry when a partner attempts to set boundaries
- Consistently and reluctantly giving in to a partner’s demands
- Manipulating a partner or those close to them
- Rationalizing and always forgiving bad behavior
- Low self-esteem
- Developing feelings of anxiety or depression as a result of relationship problems
How Drug Rehabilitation In Florida Addresses Codependency in a Relationship
If codependency is a factor in one’s struggle with drugs or alcohol, it would be a good idea to seek help from a licensed rehab facility, preferably one that offers addiction counseling. Like other states, addiction therapists in rehab facilities in Florida have in-depth knowledge of how behaviors and relationship imbalances occur in the first place, not to mention how they play into addiction. That said, it is not uncommon for addiction therapists to focus on these key areas when it comes to addressing and ultimately treating codependency:
Modifying Codependent Behaviors
In many cases, a partner may not recognize that their actions are making it difficult for their loved one to quit using and may even be pushing them further down the path of self-destruction and addiction. As such, many therapists will recommend family counseling sessions to identify and modify codependent behaviors. For example, if a significant other or family member complains of withdrawal symptoms, a loved one might give them money to purchase drugs or alcohol. While the goal might be to alleviate their suffering, they are causing more harm than good. On the other end of the spectrum, the individual struggling with addiction might try to make their loved one feel guilty if they resist their pleas for money to help them support their habit. In both of these examples, it is easy to see the inner workings of codependency. And these tendencies, among others, are the types of things that a licensed addiction therapist will work with individuals to resolve.
Setting Boundaries
Because the lines of good intentions and codependency can become blurred, many addiction therapists will encourage individuals to set healthy boundaries. Some of these healthy boundaries, which can remediate codependency and help with addiction recovery, include the following:
- Learning to be okay with having needs and preferences that differ from those of others
- Setting limits on personal behaviors and behaviors of others
- Recognizing and satisfying one’s own needs ahead of the needs of others
- Respecting personal boundaries and the boundaries of others
Bottom Line
In summary, overcoming addiction is as much a psychological endeavor as it is a physical one. And dealing with codependency can further complicate matters. Fortunately, there is no shortage of rehab facilities in Florida that can help with both of these issues. To learn more about codependency as it relates to addiction recovery or for help finding a rehab facility in your area, consider contacting one of our associates today at 844-639-8371.