Codependency and Addiction

It’s a misconception that in a relationship with a drug abuser, a spouse is the only one who struggles with codependence. Did you know that this isn’t always the case? In fact, your drug addiction may very well be due to your own unresolved codependency problems. Family support at Serenity Lodge can make a huge difference.

Hallmarks of Codependence

Whether you or your partner is the co-dependent participant in the relationship, there are some telltale signs. For starters, the individual with the condition takes on responsibility for the other person’s feelings and actions. People will do things they don’t feel right about, but they want to “fix” situations. Examples may include buying drugs, covering up use, or cleaning up after a hangover.

However, there’s a hefty price to pay for this outward display of servitude and caring. Inwardly, you might feel that you’re inadequate to meet someone else’s needs. There are feelings of anger and victimization. There may be issues from the past when you learned this behavior as a member of a dysfunctional family.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment is Vital to Your Codependence Problems

If you struggle with codependence alongside one or more addictions, it’s vital to undergo a dual diagnosis assessment. A growing number of health professionals consider the condition to fall under the umbrella of mental health disorders. They argue that as a learned behavior, it requires unlearning at this stage. You may be able to do so with the help of trauma treatment as well as dual diagnosis management.

This process allows you to deal with the mental health disorder alongside the addiction therapy. Failure to address co-occurring conditions can result in a higher risk of relapse. For many, codependency is a trigger that can result in self-medicating behavior.

Family Support and Counseling

Addiction problems cause rifts in families. When you add a co-dependent spouse or partner to the mix, you have all the makings of a dysfunctional environment. It’s vital to address these issues before returning home. Serenity Lodge therapists routinely offer Family Support to aid in the development of boundaries, communication styles, and conflict resolution.

Family counseling opens the door to the creation of a support network that makes relapse prevention easier. Not only will your loved ones understand you better, but you’ll also learn to understand their needs and healing requirements. The quality of your interactions improves, and you learn how to have healthy disagreements rather than a conflict that creates triggers. While friction may continue to be part of communication, you don’t have to allow it to escalate.

Family Support and Counseling Cannot Stand Alone

Overcoming addiction and codependence requires more than family counseling and dual diagnosis treatment offer. There are additional modalities in place that help you uncover your reasons for using. In the process, you have a better chance at preventing relapse. Examples of treatments at Serenity Lodge include:

• Talk therapy with an expert who guides you through cognitive behavioral therapy to uncover self-defeating patterns
• Acceptance and commitment therapy that changes your attitude toward using and sobriety
• Trauma Informed counseling that allows you to deal with situations from the past that still affect you to this day
• Experiential Therapy that lets you express yourself with something other than words, which many find helpful outside of formal settings

These therapies create a healing environment that makes it possible to deal with the family problems alongside addiction. Moreover, they help you – individually – overcome situations that you may not feel comfortable discussing with family members.

Don’t Wait Any Longer to Get Help

Ideally, you should make a call to the friendly therapists at Serenity Lodge at the first signs of addiction. However, that’s not always practical. That said, remember that you don’t have to continue in the vicious cycle of drug abuse, family problems, and raw emotions. Reach out for assistance to our caring therapists today by dialing (855) 932-4045 now.