How to Treat Codependency

Codependency is a behavioral disorder that affects an individual's ability to have healthy relationships. The term initially referred to individuals affected by a family member's excessive drinking, then broadened to include any individual affected by abuse, anger and neglect. Family members develop codependent behaviors that help them deny, ignore or avoid the pain of living in a dysfunctional family. Fortunately, treatment programs to recover from codependency are available from several sources.

Instructions

• 1

  Get counseling. A mental health professional can help treat codependency by accurately diagnosing the condition, identifying self-defeating behaviors and providing tools to change those behaviors. Psychologists experienced in treating codependency can help clarify the difference between being needed or taking care of others and becoming a rescuer and a victim. Counseling also provides a safe place to discuss and experience feelings that have been buried since childhood.

• 2

  Choose a private treatment center designed to help individuals and families overcome the effects of codependency. They are located throughout the country. These treatment centers specialize in providing education, counseling and a supportive recovery environment to overcome codependency. These programs can be costly.

• 3

  Attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. The Al-Anon Family Groups were formed 55 years ago specifically to help individuals affected by someone else's drinking. Al-Anon is a 12-step program. They have developed a 20-question quiz to determine if Al-Anon will be helpful. Alateen groups support teenagers. Discussions within the groups and with individual Al-Anon/Alateen members help identify destructive behaviors and provide support in breaking those patterns. These community groups are located throughout the United States and in 115 countries.

• 4

  Attend a Co-dependents Anonymous (CoDA) meeting. CoDA is another 12-step self-help program that offers tools for recovery. Codependents neglect their own needs by focusing on taking care of others. CoDA meetings support individuals in learning how to develop healthy relationships and to take care of themselves. Meetings are held throughout the country.

• 5

  Find a Mental Health America (MHA) affiliate serving your regional area. MHA is a nonprofit organization that promotes mental health by providing education, research and services in most states. They offer a wide range of services including finding help, treatment and support groups for codependency