Codependent Relationship: Warning Signs, Symptoms & Behavior
A relationship is deemed codependent when one person is the sole caretaker and the other continues to take advantage. Codependent relationships are extremely common among people suffering with substance abuse issues. Oftentimes, the extent of care enables the partner’s addictive behavior, and a dangerous cycle takes shape that is almost impossible to end without professional intervention, rehabilitation and therapy for all parties involved. Silver Linings Recovery Center offers treatment for drug & alcohol addiction, as well as addiction therapy programs to help end a codependent relationship.
10 Common Warning Signs of a Codependent Relationship
People Pleasing: It is normal to want your loved one to be happy, but when these tendencies substantially interfere with your own wants & needs it can become dangerous.
Lack of Boundaries: Both parties in a codependent relationship lack the ability to recognize, respect and implement healthy boundaries. When this happens, one partner becomes controlling & manipulative, while the other falls compliant.
Poor Self-Esteem: In most cases, neither party has a particularly high sense of self-esteem. The need for approval, sense of purpose and validation leads to overwhelming insecurity.
Reactive: When your sense of self is grounded in pleasing others, your start to become very reactionary instead of actionary. You will find yourself becoming very defensive and easily internalizing criticism from friends & family.
Need to Control & Fix Others: You feel lost and empty if there is not a crisis or person to fix.
Loyal to a Fault: Loyalty is a commendable quality, but when it is taken too far and you become blindly loyal to the wrong people who often put you in harmful situations.
Set Aside own Interests & Needs for Others: As a codependent person your life revolves solely around the wants and needs of another person. You stopped focusing on your own well-being, gave up hobbies you loved and frequently tolerate negative behavior out of fear of not being loved.
Ignore & Deny Problems: Rather than face your problems and fine healthy resolutions you’d rather ignore the problem, convince yourself nothing is wrong and might turn to drugs/food/etc. to suppress your feelings.
Suppress Thoughts & Feelings: You do not express hurt, anger or fear, leaving your emotions bottled up and left to feel unloved and unheard.
Feeling Responsible for Other’s Emotions & Actions: You take on the caretaker role, becoming anxious & guilty when someone else has a problem.
Seek Treatment for Codependency
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug & alcohol addiction, codependency or both, contact Silver Linings Recovery Center today. Our counselors, addiction treatment specialists and life coach help to navigate emotions and teach coping skills to support you on your long-term recovery journey. Help is waiting; call 1-855-960-3769.
