Definition of Codependent Behavior
Codependent behavior is often exhibited by close people and family members of those individuals suffering from any form of addiction. This behavior can manifest in myriad ways, including the rationalization of the addict’s actions and behaviors and the assumption of their responsibilities (Doweiko, 2019). It is important to discuss two examples of codependent behavior.
Codependent Behavior in Real Life
First, there can be a male teenager dealing with alcoholism. Rather than confronting his behavior, the mother justifies it, stating that he is merely going through a rather tumultuous phase or indicating that he is trying to cope with stress. Such codependent and irresponsible behavior enables the son to perpetuate his detrimental habits without any repercussions, thereby impeding his recovery. Furthermore, there is a legal issue in the situation because the mother does not react responsibly to her young son’s alcoholism.
The second example is associated with a family where the father is wrestling with a gambling addiction. Rather than aiding him in recognizing the issue, the family members, including the wife, children, and grandparents, try to take over his fiscal obligations, settling his debts and supplying him with money, which he squanders on gambling. This codependent behavior does not assist the man in tackling his issue in the long run, but rather, it exacerbates his dependence.
Addressing Codependent Behavior
Both examples underscore how codependent behavior can be detrimental, as it allows the person with an addiction to shirk responsibility for their actions and does not stimulate their recovery. In dealing with codependent behavior, it is crucial to assist family members in understanding and modifying their interaction with the person with an addiction. One strategy to be applied in these cases is mindfulness therapy, which can help family members comprehend how their actions affect the health and recovery of their loved ones (Salonia et al., 2021). By becoming cognizant of their actions, they can take steps to alter their behavior, and instead of endorsing the addiction, they can support recovery.
References
Doweiko, H. E. (2019). Concepts of chemical dependency (10th ed.). Cengage.
Salonia, G., Mahajan, R., & Mahajan, N. S. (2021). Codependency and coping strategies in the spouses of substance abusers. Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences, 7, 1130-1138.