A Different Face of Addiction: Co-Dependency

When you hear the word “addiction”, what comes to your mind? Most people immediately think of substance abuse. Dependencies on narcotics, alcohol or nicotine are the three most publically recognized addictions in our society. Because of the great number of people who are depending on these substances, we are able to see the psychological and physical effects of these addictions in our daily lives. But, there is another kind of addiction that can arouse from an extended relationship with a substance abusing addict: relationship addiction or co-dependency.

What is Co-Dependency?

Co-dependency can happen to anyone: parents, spouses, siblings and friends—anyone who experienced a relationship that started in another’s chemical dependency. Before, this term referred to individuals who were locked together in similar substance-abusing behaviors. Now, it describes those who place their attention on an addict’s behavior and well-being instead of their own. Co-dependents have a difficult time maintaining their happiness and maintaining a productive lifestyle due to the constant burden of the relationship scheme, which is one-sided on the side of the dependent. They often feel the lack of identity, as their lives become drawn towards compulsively serving the addict’s needs.