Signs and Symptoms
The definition of codependency?
Excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically one who requires support on account of an illness or addiction.
A person, aka "the giver" sacrifices their own needs and well-being for the sake of another person, aka "the taker."
This phrase is a clear and respectful way to decline a request
"No" or "no thank you"
This stage of recovery can include emotional and other types of ups and downs, what is it?
Having healthy relationships include this key communication trait
Honesty and assertiveness
Who can help you work through codependency?
A counselor or therapist, peer support, case manager
What are codependent traits?
Low self-esteem, compulsive caretaking, need for control, a fear of abandonment, people pleasing, and having a difficulty saying no
This kind of boundary involves protecting your own personal space and bubble
A physical boundary
What is cross-addiction?
Where someone replaces one addiction with another behavior, relationship, or other addiction
Unlike codependent relationships, healthy relationships maintain these boundaries
Emotional, physical, and financial
What kind of boundary helps protect your emotional well-being?
Personal boundaries
The behavior of putting others' needs before your own, to a harmful degree
People-pleasing
If someone is ALWAYS crossing clear boundaries you've set, what should you do?
Limit or end the relationship!!!
Why can early recovery feel emotionally overwhelming for many individuals?
Due to experiencing emotions without substances like drugs or alcohol
Utilizing self-care is not a sign of selfishness but a sign of what?
Healthy self-esteem
Your authentic self
What role does self-esteem play in codependency?
Low self-esteem is a foundational driver; someone struggling with self-esteem may not be fully aware of their behavior and how it affects relationships
What is being assertive? How can it help?
Confidently and directly expressing needs, opinions, or boundaries while respecting others to balance between passive and aggressive behavior.
It can help maintain your own personal boundaries without over-explaining them or yourself
This challenge involves struggling to trust your own decisions after relying on others and/or substance
A lack of self-trust
In a codependent relationship, your identity may be overly tied to this
The other person's needs and aproval
This skill involves taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being
Self-care
This symptom involves attempting to control others' behaviors, emotions, or choices in order to feel stable
Controlling behavior
Guilt
This challenge occurs when old relationship patterns, or habits resurface and interfere with recovery progress
Returning to codependent patterns
Codependent relationships inhibit this, while healthy relationships foster this. What is it?
Independence and autonomy
What is one way to build independence in recovery?
Making decisions for yourself, cutting out toxic relationships, setting goals, and practicing self care