Many people who have experienced addiction, trauma, or mental health conditions also exhibit symptoms of codependency. Codependent behavior involves disregarding your own needs and prioritizing others’ needs. These behaviors may even lead you to use substances. Overcoming codependence is possible, however. Learning how to love yourself again is the first step in healing.
Overcoming Codependence
According to the Centre County, Pennsylvania, a government website, codependency is characterized by “involvement in a relationship in which one person has extreme physical or emotional needs and the other person spends most of their time responding to those needs.” In this type of relationship, you’ll disregard your own needs while meeting the needs of others.
The government website also mentioned that codependent people “often derive their sense of self-worth from their feelings that others need their protection and intervention to survive.”
For people who have experienced trauma, substance use disorder (SUD), or mental illness, codependent behaviors can be magnified. When your sense of self-worth may already be diminished, it can be easy to form an unhealthy relationship where you put your needs last.
History of Codependence
The concept of codependency has its roots in the chemical dependency field. A 2016 study published in Addiction & Health says codependency was “initially used to define caring behaviors and relationships within family members of alcohol and drug abusers.” Decades ago, it was predominantly women who took care of their husbands who had drug or alcohol addictions.
Addiction & Health also mentions that many studies over the years debated whether or not the definition of codependency was a dysfunctional relationship or a “personality problem.” No matter the true meaning, these behaviors can lead people to rely on others to feel any sense of self-worth.
Codependence and Substance Abuse
Another codependent behavior can define the actual relationship between a substance and its user. Many people with SUD are no strangers to having a negative perception of self, so using drugs or alcohol may boost their confidence and self-esteem.
This relationship dynamic is also strong in people who have felt burnt by friends or family members in the past. They can be left feeling like the substance is always there for them in a way that others are not.
Overcoming Codependence: Therapies, Tools, and More
If you feel like you are exhibiting any kind of codependent behavior, healing is possible. Overcoming codependence will take a little time, patience, and practice. The more you learn to love and care for yourself, the easier it will be to heal fully.
Talk Therapy
It may feel difficult to heal codependency at first, especially if this behavior has become deeply ingrained in your way of life. One of the best places to start overcoming codependence is through talk therapy with professionals who specialize in this area as well as other people who experience it just like you.
Talk therapy is a tried-and-true modality that has been used for decades in trauma, addiction, and mental health healing spaces. Receiving help, guidance, and support from a professional who has extensively studied codependent behaviors can give you better insight into what you’re going through and the best ways to begin healing.
Many codependent relationships are unhealthy and leave you with no real outlet to process your thoughts and feelings. Group therapy environments allow you to talk through your struggles with others who have also been there.
Self-Care and Exercise
Codependent behaviors cause you to put your own needs last. This is why creating new self-care habits is crucial for healing.
You may want to start by keeping a journal, where you can write about your thoughts, track your progress, and set goals for the future. Journaling is an incredible tool that can help you connect with yourself deeply and profoundly.
Other self-care practices can include blocking time out of your day just for you. This time can be filled with activities you enjoy, like reading, painting, coloring, cooking, and so much more.
Exercise and Meditation
A solid exercise routine is also integral to self-care. Exercise can boost your mood, create stronger self-esteem, and have endless benefits for your physical and mental health.
Finally, meditation is another excellent tool for helping you rediscover your sense of self and overcome codependence. This ancient Eastern practice enables you to ground into the present moment by focusing on breathing or a sound.
Meditation teaches you to gently observe your thoughts as they pop up without judgment. This can have an overwhelmingly positive ripple effect, teaching you to stay present without letting negative thoughts control you. Meditation has many physical and mental benefits, including lowering stress and instilling feelings of deep inner peace.
Overcoming Codependence at The Guest House
If you’re ready to start healing codependence, look no further than The Guest House. Our trauma-specific program is here to help you get to the root causes of codependence, addiction, mental health struggles, and more.
The Guest House offers world-class talk therapies and a wide range of holistic and alternative modalities to help you overcome codependence with peers and professionals who will support you every step of the way.
Our cutting-edge program is here to help you regain self-empowerment, inner peace, and freedom in your life. You deserve to live a life where you get to put yourself first. Overcoming codependence will be possible at The Guest House.
Codependent relationships can include your relationship with another person or even with substances. This is a behavior where you always put yourself last, no matter the codependent relationship. Overcoming codependence is possible, and you will find the strong support you need at The Guest House. Our trauma-specific program includes a cutting-edge blend of talk therapies, traditional modalities, and holistic remedies to help you rediscover your sense of self, boost your self-esteem, create inner peace, and find lasting success in recovery. The best thing you can do to overcome codependence is choose yourself, your healing, and your growth. This is all possible at The Guest House. Call us at (855) 483-7800.