When you think of addiction, your mind may instantly jump to drug addiction. However, addictions don’t just have to involve addictive substances. There are a variety of behavioral addictions, like codependency addiction, that negatively impact a person’s health and quality of life for the worse. In this article, you’ll learn more about what is codependency addiction, and how you can work toward overcoming your codependency addiction.
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What is Codependency Addiction?
Codependency addiction happens when an individual becomes too reliant on others’ approval or support, to the detriment of their own personal wellness and well-being. Codependency addiction typically occurs in individuals who have lower self-esteem issues, and who may chase the approval or validation of others in an attempt to raise their sense of self-worth.
However, unfortunately, constantly chasing the approval and validation of others not only makes it difficult to set boundaries to safeguard your own needs, but it also puts the opinions and approval of others at the central guiding point of your life. Inevitably, no matter how much you people please or chase the approval of others, you will constantly feel not good enough over the long-term, thus repeating the cyclic nature of codependency addiction.
There are several signs and instances where codependency addiction can take place. For example, codependency addiction can take place in the workplace, in a romantic relationship, or even with friends and family.
Below are some common ways in which codependency addiction can take shape in someone’s life:
- Lack of Boundaries
Unfortunately, many people who struggle with a codependency addiction lack the ability to set and keep boundaries. This can inevitably lead them to be constantly taken advantage of by others, and their needs are not met because they are willing to not have boundaries if it means supporting and appeasing others in their life.
- Feeling the Need to Constantly Help Others at Your Own Expense
Similar to the above point, someone with codependency addiction may feel the need to constantly help others to feel validated or approved, even if it’s at their own expense. Constantly chasing others’ approval and helping them to feel worthy is not only unsustainable, but it is fleeting and not an effective approach to truly maintaining a healthy sense of self-worth.
- Having a Hard Time Saying “No”
Mastering the ability to say “no” takes practice, especially for someone who struggles with codependency addiction. However, it’s critical to understand that if you are not comfortable with something, whether it be in a professional or personal setting, to say no and voice your needs. Saying no, while at the moment may seem uncomfortable if you have a hard time standing up for your needs, over time will get easier and is actually a great way to build your sense of self-respect and self-worth.
- People-Pleasing
Finally, people-pleasing is another telltale sign of codependency addiction. People pleasing involves constantly doing and saying things to gain another person’s approval, even at the expense of your own personal needs. Oftentimes, people pleasers will struggle with burnout and resentment because they are putting others’ needs above their own.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about the question “what is codependency addiction”. Codependency addiction occurs when an individual becomes too involved or reliant on supporting others, to the point that they oftentimes neglect their own personal needs and boundaries.
Codependency addiction can take many forms from being an excessive people pleaser seeking validation from others all the time, to having a difficult time saying no and establishing boundaries. If you or someone you know is struggling with codependency addiction or another form of addiction, it’s critical to understand that help is available.
Our compassionate team at The Bridge to Recovery is here to help you lead a healthier, happier life. We provide tailored mental health care with a mental health program designed to help you effectively manage your symptoms so you can lead a healthier quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your mental health care needs.