5 Signs of Codependency

Relationships, whether personal or professional, can be complicated. Sometimes, these complications can develop into an unhealthy dynamic for all involved. One of the most common unhealthy habits that develop in a relationship is codependency. When someone in a relationship struggles with substance use disorder (addiction), codependency can further complicate treating the disease. Addiction codependency happens for many reasons, but it can hurt both parties and make it harder to stop the addiction. At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we work with our patients to overcome these challenges.

What Is Addiction Codependency?

Addiction codependency is based on enabling someone. For example, two people who have substance use disorders may become codependent on one another. They feel better when the other person is feeling well, and they want to make sure they have what they need to feel good.

Not all codependent relationships have two parties with substance use addictions. Family members or friends can be involved in a codependent relationship with a person who has an addiction. They may feel bad if they don’t help the person who has an addiction, even though doing so could be hurting everyone involved.

More about How Codependency Affects Addiction

Codependency is its own kind of addiction. The person who supports another who has a substance use disorder may do it because of needing to feel wanted and needed themselves. They may feel that saying no, even though it’s the right thing to do, will negatively impact their relationship with the other person.

What Are 5 Signs of Codependency?

There are dozens of potential signs of codependency. Here are five that you can watch out for and potentially recognize in your relationships:

1. There are no boundaries: The first sign of codependency is that there aren’t strong boundaries. In any relationship, healthy boundaries are essential. Giving someone everything they want isn’t healthy or conducive to a respectful relationship.
2. One person in the relationship is a “people pleaser”: The next sign is that one of the two people wants to do everything they can to please the other, even at the expense of their own financial health, personal health, and wellness or safety.
3. One person has low self-esteem and a need for approval: Someone with low self-esteem is much more likely to put up with being in an unhappy or dangerous situation to please someone who seems to value them. That perception of being valued may taint their vision, leading them to believe that they must continue doing things that the other person likes to maintain the relationship.
4. One person has trouble communicating their concerns: When one person can’t communicate their concerns for fear of how the other will respond, that’s a red flag. In codependent relationships, one person may not say they’re scared or worried because they fear rejection.
5. There’s no decision-making process without the specific person’s approval: Finally, a final sign of codependency is that one person cannot decide without the other’s approval. Being reliant on others to make decisions is primarily a sign of a lack of trust in oneself and low self-esteem. Usually, in this scenario, the person with an addiction is in control, and others supporting them do what they can to placate them.

Get Help for Addiction Codependency from Pines Recovery Life Detox

At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we know that relationships and addiction are often mixed, and it can be hard for one person to move forward without affecting others. Looking at how codependency affects addiction, it may be clear to you that you, your family, and a loved one all need support. At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we can help you, or someone you love gets on the path to a healthier life with respectful relationships with others. Contact us today at 800.263.3869, or contact us online to learn more about our detox and residential care services.