Taking the first step on the road to recovery may feel daunting, but you can do this. You must understand the actual first step is probably the scariest of all; by admitting you have codependency. Once you can understand that, you will feel a little less hesitant or anxious about taking that next step.
The next step is entering recovery with a genuinely open mind and willingness to learn the skills you need to attain and maintain your recovery for both coexisting conditions.
What is codependency
The term codependent or codependency has been around since the 1970s. Today the definition has become more precise. Codependency is a condition in which a person has a relationship addiction, that is distinguished by fixation and excessive dependence on another person that is emotional, physical, or social.
Signs of codependency are:
- Low self-esteem
- Familial dysfunction
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Can’t say no
- Does not have boundaries
- Duty-bound to take care of others
- Needs control even over others
- Trouble communicating
- Stuck on mistakes
- A need to be liked by others
- The need to be in a relationship
- Denial of personal needs, ideas, and feelings
- Having a fear of being abandoned
- Intimacy issues
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms getting professional help can help you begin to heal and break the codependency. If there is also an addiction to substance or alcohol, you can start recovery for that as well.
Coexisting addiction and codependency
This type of relationship often brings high anxiety and stress with it. These emotions of anxiety and stress typically will bring about or coincide with an alcohol or substance addiction. You have to treat both conditions if you wish to maintain recovery from alcohol or substance addiction.
The therapy used for each, addiction and codependence, will help recovery for both. Working on the two during individual, group, or family counseling can help you learn to build healthy relationships again. It will also help you understand why you feel the way you do about things.
Learning the skills to deal with triggers that could cause relapse for both conditions is essential. The main thing to remember when entering recovery is you must keep an open mind and willingness to learn these skills. If you think you only need to stop one or the other, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Recovery
Recovery is achievable for both coexisting conditions. As long as you are willing to work at getting better and do not deviate from the recovery plan, you should find yourself feeling better.
Finding the right recovery center is essential. 449 Recovery serves the Los Angeles CA area providing a safe, clean environment that will help your recovery. Call us today (855) 435-7449 to learn more about our detox program and other therapies to help you overcome your addiction and coexisting conditions. We will teach you the skills and techniques needed to achieve and maintain your recovery.