What Does it Mean to Be Co-Dependent?

Co-dependency or relationship addiction is a learned behavior that causes people to form emotionally destructive or abusive relationships. This term originally referred to people who were in relationships with chemically dependent partners, but as of 2010 it includes anyone involved in a dysfunctional family or relationship.

Roots

• Codependency is often rooted in childhood, according to WebMD. Problems within the family, such as a parent who has an addiction or mental illness, often lead to codependency later in life. Family members do not discuss their problems, choosing instead to hide issues and repress feelings. Children develop coping mechanisms such as detachment and nonconfrontation to help them avoid difficult emotions. As adults, they distrust others and have low self-esteem.

Expressions

• Codependent people have deep emotional wounds, engage in self-destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, and become involved in unhealthy relationships. The University of New Mexico explains that many codependent people become entangled in relationships that are similar to the relationships they witnessed or experienced during childhood. More women than men are labeled as codependent because of their relationship-oriented natures, according to WebMD.

Prevention/Solution

• The University of New Mexico indicates that codependency is treatable, but it involves self-examination and learning new coping skills. Sometimes professional counseling is necessary to help people break away from destructive codependent relationships. WebMD recommends joining group therapy or a 12-step program.