Codependency: The Definitive Guide

Codependency
The Definitive Guide

This is the ultimate guide to understanding Codependency. The primary goal of this article is to assist those who are experiencing Codependency in their lives.  This guide will explain all about Codependency along with effective treatment strategies. 

So if you want to:

• Get deeper understanding of Codependency
• Build up  personality
• Want to know about comprehensive treatments of Codependency
• Want to have diverse knowledge of different therapies for Codependency
• And most importantly if you want to make yourself independent

And many more, then you will love this guide.  

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Contents

Chapter 1
Fundamentals of Codependency

Chapter 2
Spread of Codependency

Chapter 3
Codependency v/s Interdependency

Chapter 4
Recovery from Codependency

Chapter 5
Prevalence of Codependency

Chapter 6
Development of Codependence Relationship

Chapter 7
Codependency as a Disease

Chapter 1:

Fundamentals of Codependency

What is Codependency?

Codependency describes an undesirable practice of relating to others that is characterized by altruism. People who suffer from codependency are prone to prioritizing the needs of others over their own. 

They repress their own wants in relationships, are hesitant to ask for things and/or express their feelings. It usually stems from an internalized conviction that they are unlovable and/or will be a burden to others if they ask for what they need and or express their emotions openly. 

Definition:

It is defined as:

“Codependency is a relationship behavior in which you consistently prefer someone else over yourself and judge your mood depending on how they act.”

Codependency describes an undesirable practice of relating to others that is characterized by altruism. People who suffer from codependency are prone to prioritizing the needs of others over their own. 

They repress their own wants in relationships, are hesitant to ask for things and/or express their feelings. It usually stems from an internalized conviction that they are unlovable and/or will be a burden to others if they ask for what they need and or express their emotions openly. 

In Codependency you over-rely on others and their approval of you, struggle to recognize and prioritize your own needs, and have a hard time feeling yourself as different and independent from others.

 Low self-esteem, obsessiveness, people-pleasing tendencies, and trouble setting boundaries are all symptoms of codependency. Understanding the prevalence of codependency can help you develop healthy relationships and set healthy boundaries.

A codependent person will plan their entire life around satisfying the other person, often known as the facilitator. 

In its most basic form, a codependent relationship occurs when one partner needs the other, and the other, in turn, requires the other. The "cycle" of codependency is based on this circular interaction, which specialists refer to as the "cycle." 

It is frequently the result of a family dynamic in which abuse, neglect, addiction, or alcoholism are prevalent. Childhood is often the source of codependency. A youngster frequently grows up in a family where their feelings are neglected or punished. This emotional neglect can lead to low self-esteem and shame in the child. According to research 90% of Americans are codependent.

Why is it called Codependency?

The term "codependent" was coined in the framework of Addiction Recovery and treatment for substance misuse. An individual who is addicted to a substance is said to be "dependent" on it. 

Anybody who has loved an addict knows how easy it is to become engrossed in the drama and mayhem that the addiction creates. The person who loves the addict frequently finds themselves making accommodations, overcommitting themselves, and walking on eggshell powder to prevent trouble in these relationships. 

Because the addict is addicted to a substance and the people who love him are dependent on it by proxy, the term codependency was coined. In some ways, the person that loves the addict is as if not more, affected by the addiction than the addict. 

The meaning of the phrase codependency has developed over time, and it tends to take on slightly various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It's been used to describe being unduly reliant on someone, being "addicted" to someone, or even being "addicted" to toxic relationships. Despite the fact that these scenarios may be true, the codependent individual does not necessarily perceive or appear to be "dependent" on another person.

Common Examples of Codependency:

Codependent people have the best of intentions. They wish to help a family member who is in need. Their efforts, however, become obsessive and harmful. 

As a result of their efforts to rescue, save, and assist their loved one, the other person becomes even more reliant on them. Giving provides a codependent individual a sense of fulfillment as long as they receive recognition. 

Here are some examples of codependent relationships:

It can include the following in parent-child relationships:

• Taking care of an adult child who should be self-sufficient
• Financially supporting an adult child gives you a sense of significance or purpose.
• Never permitting a child to do anything on his or her own.
• Giving up everything to look after a parent
• Responding to parents' demands at the expense of other duties and relationships
• Never bring up issues in your family's relationships or actions.

It can include the following in romantic relationships:

• Putting a lot of effort and time into caring for a partner who has a drinking or drug problem
• Making excuses or covering for the negative actions of others
• Neglecting your own well-being, work, or other relationships in order to look after your partner
• enabling destructive or unhealthy behavior in a spouse
• Allowing your spouse to keep their independence by not allowing them to take responsibility for their own lives

Another example is in which a woman is married to an alcoholic husband. She consistently puts his demands above her own, believing that by showing him affection, she can help him become sober.

 By giving him whatever he wants and covering up for his harmful conduct, she is unwittingly helping him. She holds herself responsible for many of the relationship's problems and is willing to go to any length to make it work, including sacrificing her own mental health.

Codependent relationships can take various shapes, as you can see from the examples above. If any of the above scenarios sound familiar, you may have been in a codependent relationship. 

If you find yourself in this circumstance, make every effort to maintain your personal space and time alone. Learn about the effects of codependency, then talk with the other person about how you can both work to keep the relationship healthy and productive. I will guide you about treatment of codependency in depth in the following chapters.

What is the historical background of Codependency?

Codependency has been around for nearly four decades. Although it was first applied to