What is a codependent behavior?

Co-dependency is a learned behavior that can be passed down from one generation to another. It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive.

What are the traits of a codependent person?

The Key Point: Codependency traits represent one’s difficulties in loving, accepting, trusting, and being true to Self. Codependents carry , shame, guilt, and feelings of inadequacy which lead to constantly try to please others, prove worth of Self, and seek external validation at great costs, but little reward.

What is the root cause of codependency?

What Causes Codependency? Codependency is usually rooted in childhood. Often, a child grows up in a home where their emotions are ignored or punished. This emotional neglect can give the child low self-esteem and shame.

What kind of trauma causes codependency?

Codependency can be hinged on attachment trauma. This can lead a person to question if they’re loved and worthy, if others are and can be available and responsive to them, and if the world is safe for them.

How do I fix codependency?

Some healthy steps to healing your relationship from codependency include:
  1. Start being honest with yourself and your partner.
  2. Stop negative thinking.
  3. Don’t take things personally.
  4. Take breaks.
  5. Consider counseling.
  6. Rely on peer support.
  7. Establish boundaries.

Is there a cure for codependency?

Some individuals are able to overcome codependency on their own. Learning about what it means to be codependent and the harm it causes can be enough for some individuals to change their behavior. Some steps you can take to overcome codependence include: Look for signs of a healthy relationship.

What is an example of codependency?

But, a person who is codependent will usually: Find no satisfaction or happiness in life outside of doing things for the other person. Stay in the relationship even if they are aware that their partner does hurtful things. Do anything to please and satisfy their enabler no matter what the expense to themselves.

Is codependency a mental illness?

Codependency is neither an officially recognized personality disorder nor an official mental illness. Rather, it is a unique psychological construct that shares significant overlap with other personality disorders.

What kind of therapist treats codependency?

Commonly, therapists rely on combination therapy in order to treat codependency. Some recommend prescription medication to treat any underlying mental health issues as well as to relieve depression, stress, and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective as well as other person-centered types of therapy.

What is codependency narcissism?

People with codependency sometimes form relationships with people who have NPD. Typically the two partners develop complementary roles to fill each other’s needs. The codependent person has found a partner they can pour their self into, and the narcissistic person has found someone who puts their needs first.

What are the negative effects of codependency?

Outside of crippling anxiety and emotional distress that many codependents feel daily, unresolved codependency can lead to serious problems like medicine addiction, alcoholism and eating disorders. Codependents are also less likely to seek needed medical care and more likely to remain in stressful situations.

Can codependents have healthy relationships?

Codependent relationships are not healthy and do not allow partners room to be themselves, to grow and to be autonomous. These unhealthy relationships involve one partner, or both, relying heavily on the other and the relationship for their sense of self, feelings of worthiness and overall emotional well-being.

Are codependents self centered?

Typically, codependents act ‘selflessly’ and are considered as suffering from a ‘loss of self. ‘ In stark contrast, we see narcissists as self–centered and seem to suffer from having ‘too much self‘.

Why is it important to understand codependency?

By learning to establish boundaries, the codependent person and the drug-addicted person can learn how to create a healthier relationship, making it more likely that treatment will have a positive outcome for both partners.

Do codependents really love?

Codependency is not true love. It is a love addiction that can destroy your relationship and destroy you as a person. By becoming aware of the pitfalls of codependency, you’ve already taken the first step towards a healthy relationship with your partner.

Why do codependents attract alcoholics?

Codependents tend to enable addicts because, subconsciously, they believe they need that addict to remain sick. Their existence thrives on the conflict and turmoil created by a relationship with an addict. On the other hand, addicts need codependents to continually justify their addiction.

Are codependents manipulative?

Codependents have trouble being direct and assertive and may use manipulation to get their way. They’re also easy prey for being manipulated by narcissists, borderline personalities, sociopaths, and other codependents, including addicts.