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."
What is the tried and true formula for setting a boundary?
I would like it if you would/would not do __(action)__. If you continue to, I will __(consequence)__.
This stage of recovery is crucial to healing and can often come with emotional ups and downs.
Early recovery
Having healthy relationships requires these two key communication traits
Honesty and assertiveness
Who can help you work through codependency?
A counselor or therapist, a peer support group, case manager, or a recovery program such as CoDA!
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
This challenge occurs when old relationship patterns, or habits resurface and interfere with recovery progress
Returning to codependent patterns
Unlike codependent relationships, healthy relationships maintain these boundaries
Emotional, physical, sexual, and financial
What kind of boundary helps protect your emotional well-being?
Personal/emotional 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 and/or without codependency in relationships
Utilizing self-care is not a sign of selfishness but a sign of what?
Healthy self-esteem and self-worth
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 assertive communication?
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
What is cross-addiction?
Where someone replaces one addiction with another maladaptive behavior, relationship, or other addiction
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