Summary: <p>CoDependency is a term we throw around a lot, but the definition can be somewhat elusive. In this presentation we will examine the characteristics of someone with codependency; compare and contrast codependency with other addictions and propose avenues for interventions.</p> <p><a href="https://www.allceus.com/member/cart/index/product/id/492/c/2">CEU On-Demand Course</a></p> <h3>Show Notes</h3> <p>Co-Dependency<br> Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes PhD, LPC-MHSP, LMHC, NCC<br> Executive Director, AllCEUs.com<br> Objectives<br> Define codependency<br> Identify characteristics of the codependent relationship<br> Explore the motivations for these behaviors<br> Hypothesize alternate, healthier behaviors</p> <p>Why I Care/How It Impacts Recovery<br> Co-dependency can serve as an alternate addiction or distraction<br> Co-Dependents may use relationships to try to deal with depression or anxiety<br> Ultimately codependency is self-defeating because one of the few things that cannot be controlled is the will of another person.<br> Definition<br> Codependency describes a type of relationship in which<br> One partner defines his or her worth or goodness based on someone else<br> The codependent person often chooses relationships in which the other person needs to be rescued, thereby making himself or herself indispensable.</p> <p>The Mantras<br> “I don’t understand why she refuses to change. I have done everything for her.”</p> <p>“Helping someone who doesn’t want help is an exercise in futility, but what are you supposed to do if you don’t help?”<br> Co-Dependency as an Addiction<br> Tolerance<br> Need more of the same substance/activity<br> In a codependent relationship, as time passes, the codependent’s identity becomes increasingly defined by the relationship with the other person<br> Withdrawal<br> Not getting the substance, being around the person results in physical or psychological withdrawals<br> When apart from or unable to control the other person, the codependent experiences extreme anxiety and/or depression</p> <p>Co-Dependency as an Addiction<br> Spending more time thinking about, engaging in or recovering from the behavior<br> Co-dependents are always hypervigilant to other peoples behavior, and obsessing about what they are or are not doing<br> Co-dependents spend large amounts of time rescuing or covering up for the other person “fixing it”<br> The codependent gets exhausted taking care of the other person, but cannot stop because they rely on the other person to tell them</p> <p>Co-Dependency as an Addiction<br> Foregoing other interests in order to maintain the addiction<br> The relationship is the “drug” of choice in the codependents’ lives<br> Having that person in their life makes them feel “okay” or “whole”<br> The relationship takes the place of self-love<br> Co-Dependency as an Addiction<br> Continuing the addiction/relationship despite negative consequences<br> Emotional (depression, anxiety, anger, resentment)<br> Social (Loss of other friends)<br> Physical (stress-related physical issues)<br> Occupational (poor job performance)</p> <p>Addicts and Codependents<br> Low self esteem<br> Depression, anxiety<br> Need to control<br> Fear of abandonment<br> Relationship comforts/numbs<br> Relationship becomes the addict’s primary focus<br> Minimizing, denying, blaming to protect the relationship<br> Stinkin’ Thinkin’</p> <p>Have difficulty identifying what they are feeling.<br> Lack empathy for the feelings and needs of others.<br> Mask pain in various ways such as anger, humor, or isolation.<br> Experience significant aggression/resentment and negativity</p> <p>Have difficulty making decisions.<br> Judge what they think, say, or do harshly, as never good enough.<br> Value others’ approval of their thinking, feelings, and behavior over their own.<br> Do not perceive themselves as lovable or worthwhile persons<br> Seek re</p>
