Can Codependency Impact Addiction?

Can Codependency Impact Addiction?

Most folks understand that addiction is a lifelong disease and that everyone suffering from addiction needs the right kind of help to get clean and stay that way. However, not everyone realizes the role that relationships play in addiction. When we think about a person abusing drugs or alcohol, we tend to place all the blame on them. 

The truth is some relationships form negative habits, and that can lead to the perpetuation of a person’s addiction. When people are in a relationship, and one person develops an addiction, it impacts both people in that relationship. Still, if one side does not realize the need for help and treatment, it can make addiction worse. When both parties in the relationship are completely dependent on each other for their total existence, this is what is known as a codependent relationship. 

At My Recovery Source, we know that relationships and addiction are complicated and that each of these things impacts the other in some way. Only by recognizing the link between addiction and codependency is it possible to get someone the help they need and rebuild the relationship into a more positive situation for both parties. 

My Recovery Source can help you find the best rehab near you, no matter your needs or goals.

What is Codependency? 

Codependency in a relationship is defined as excessive emotional or physical reliance on a partner in a relationship. Sociology goes a step further and defines codependency as one who relies on a partner due to behavioral issues such as mental illness or addiction in which the supporting partner allows the dependent to continue their negative behavior. Essentially both partners in the relationship become dependent as one needs the other for constant support, and the other feels gratification and satisfaction for being needed. 

The trouble with a codependent relationship is that it is not healthy for either party. The dependent party often engages in negative behavior while getting help from the supportive party and thus cannot take care of themselves. The supporting party, meanwhile, gets satisfaction and a feeling of self-worth from taking care of the dependent, and so they typically refuse to alter the relationship, even if the dependent is engaged in behavior that is hurting themselves or others. 

What Are the Signs of a Codependent Relationship? 

There are several signs that a relationship has become codependent. Certain behaviors from both partners can signal codependence. 

For the dependent, they often have poor self-esteem, which in turn makes them feel as though they have a low sense of self-worth and cannot do things on their own. They may experience emotional outbursts of sadness and anger and feel as though they can’t do anything for themselves. They may have trouble making decisions for themselves, and this is what allows them to become dependent on another person. 

The dependee in the relationship typically exhibits poor boundaries with people. They find themselves to be a caretaker and may even obsess over that fact. They may experience poor self-esteem as well, which triggers their obsession with caring for others as they need to feel needed as a form of validation.

Can Codependency Impact Addiction? 

Codependency has a major effect on addiction. The reason that a person becomes completely dependent on another is tied directly to negative behavior. They become so involved in that behavior that they can no longer properly take care of themselves. In the case of addiction, addicts become hyper-focused on drug-seeking behavior and on doing the drugs they acquire. This makes them neglect self-care, which leads to dependence on others. 

The dependee gets much of their self-worth and fulfillment from caring for the other person. They often have trouble forging other relationships because of the person they are caring for, and this makes it hard for them to break the cycle. To continue caring for the person, they will overlook drug abuse and the consequences of addiction, even going so far as to cover for the person and make excuses. This prolongs an addiction and makes it so that the addict cannot get the help they need.

How to Find Treatment For Drug Addiction and Codependency?

Once you realize that you are in a codependent relationship, it’s important to take the steps necessary to get help for both yourself and your partner. Not only does the person with the addiction need professional help to get clean and sober, but the relationship needs help to break the cycle of dependence. My Recovery Source is here to help you find the types of treatment you need for both the relationship and the addiction. By taking one of our assessments we can help match you with the treatment and other services you need in your area. We have partnerships with service providers in several states, so we work to find a treatment that works for your specific needs at a facility near you. Don’t struggle alone, contact us to get the help you need today.

What Are the Benefits of Individualized Addiction Treatment?

What Are the Benefits of Individualized Addiction Treatment?

Most people know that the best way to deal with addiction is by going into rehab. Even if you haven’t had personal experience with addiction, you’ve likely heard about how rehab is the best place for a person to get sober. While this is true, not all rehabs are the same, and if the treatment program isn’t designed with the right steps in mind, there’s a chance that the person going through treatment will ultimately relapse. 

The reason why not all rehab programs are effective is that each addiction is unique, just like the person suffering from it. Some programs use the same treatments and solutions for all of their clients, and this leads to a higher rate of relapse and clients who continue to struggle with their addiction. The truth is, an individualized drug rehab program is the preferred method for those that want the best chances of getting sober and staying sober for the long term. 

My Recovery Source is a powerful tool for those looking for addiction treatment that is right for them. Thanks to our wide network of providers, we specialize in providing a wide array of treatment options and services to people with addiction and their families. In this post, we are going to look at addiction, what causes it, how each addiction is unique, how individual therapy and an individualized addiction treatment plan can help and how My Recovery Source is the place to go to find the best drug rehab near you.

What Causes Addiction? 

Addiction is caused by what happens when a person starts using a drug. Every drug that we put into our bodies has an effect on our bodies in some way. Over time, that effect changes the way our body works. From the brain to the central nervous system, the body becomes accustomed to having that substance present to function normally.  

Once this change occurs and the body becomes dependent on a drug, the individual becomes addicted. 

However, another component that typically plays a role in whether a person becomes totally addicted is whether or not they have a need or want to continue using. For instance, they may feel they need to continue taking a drug to deal with a problem, or they may want to continue using because of how the drug makes them feel or to cope with an issue in their everyday life. These two factors are what make up the majority of addictions. 

How is Every Substance Use Disorder Unique? 

The reason that every substance use disorder is unique is that the way a drug interacts with each person, their experiences with it, withdrawal symptoms, and recovery are all different for each person. Two people can do the exact same drug for the same amount of time and have two different experiences. 

There will certainly be some similarities as with anything, but each addiction and the subsequent journey the person goes on to get clean will be different, which is why there is no one size fits all solution.

What is an Individualized Addiction Treatment Plan? 

An individualized addiction treatment plan is a recovery plan tailored to the individual, meaning their addiction history, life factors, health and support system. The type of treatment the person receives will be based on their specific needs.

Personalized addiction treatment works to address the specific needs of the individual and the problems they experience to provide the tools necessary to live a life free of addiction. Other programs simply treat the drug the person is using. 

What Are the Benefits of Individualized Addiction Treatment?

 There are many benefits to individualized addiction treatment. 

First, as we mentioned, individualized treatment has a better chance of long-term recovery than other programs. Because of the personalized treatment, you are able to cope with your own addiction better and learn the skills necessary to return to a normal life. 

Another benefit is that individualized treatment takes into account your personal situation, such as health concerns that you may have. Going through treatment can be difficult for the body. Without the proper support, the process of detox and withdrawal can cause serious health problems. When combined with existing issues, this can even be deadly. 

Lastly, an individualized treatment plan means you can access the specific support services you need. Therapy is only one part of the process, the ongoing support that you get from your treatment facility plays a major role in your recovery as well. 

My Recovery Source Can Help You Find the Best Individualized Addiction Treatment Program

We know how hard it can be to finally decide to get help. Once you do, My Recovery Source is here to find you the individualized treatment you need to get you sober and help you stay that way. Contact us today and ask about our treatment options and how our assessments and quizzes work to find you the right treatment. No one has to go it alone against their addiction, let us help you right away.