Codependency

Codependency refers to people in a close relationship with someone who is engaged in self-destructive behavior (such as drug and/or alcohol addiction). The codependent person is typically overly involved with the other person and that person’s problematic behavior, frequently to the other’s detriment.

While the codependent person acts as a caretaker and invests in the welfare of the other person, emotions can give way to enabling behavior. This is when the codependent person unintentionally helps the other person continue their self-destructive behavior by repeatedly protecting the other person from his own behavior, such as by lying to cover up for them, paying their debts, or taking care of their basic needs to excess. While this helps the other person to get by in the short run, it ultimately allows the cycle of self-destruction to perpetuate.

Although the codependent person suffers as a result of the other person’s choices and behavior, it can be very difficult to break the pattern. Individual and couples therapy can help to put a stop to this vicious cycle of self-destruction and codependency.