One major addiction facing many people because of the nature of its definition is relationship addiction or co-dependency. It is a learned dependent behavioural condition, generally with the existence of emotional, physical and / or sexual abuse, that affects people with or related (not necessarily "blood related" but environmentally or socially) to those having alcohol or drug, gambling, sex, food, work or other dependencies, or the mentally ill. This unhealthy condition is learned from the abusers' relationships and affects a person's ability to have a healthy relationship.

Co-dependent is associated with "dysfunctional family" members or those feeling anger, shame, fear or pain mainly because of the addiction that is "unspoken" or discussed. The person or persons addicted are in denial and don't admit their dependencies or problems surrounding them. And those in relationships with them adapt this type behaviour as well, keeping the "status quo" at an even keel to avoid confrontational issues and rock the boat.

Co-dependent people repress their emotions and ignore their own needs while being compulsive caretakers for the addicts. And as a result they become "survivors." To help keep addictions hidden, they distance themselves from the addict as well as the problems associated with the addiction, and certain behaviours develop over time.

Co-Dependent Behaviours / Traits

Inhibited Emotions - Detachment occurs. Don't touch, don't feel, don't talk, don't trust, don't confront. Keeping the addiction hidden becomes then entire focus of the addict's family and / or others in co-dependent relationships, shifting all main focus of safety, health, and basically life to the sick person or addict. With the focus off themselves, the co-dependent people neglect their own safety, health…in short, lives.

Self - Esteem - Low self-esteem is common among co-dependent people. To substitute something in the "real world" that would make them feel better, since their fantasy of the hidden addiction becomes their real world, they often become addicts themselves, diving into gambling, illicit sex, cigarette or marijuana smoking, work (becoming workaholics), or drugs and alcohol as well.

Martyr - These caretakers take on a martyr role while trying to "help" the addict. But their exaggerated, compulsive behaviours that they think actually "help" others, in reality negate their supposed "help." For example; a co-dependent person may think nothing of lying for his or her spouse or adult (or teen) children to cover up for theft to fund a drug addiction. Since this behaviour does indeed "help" the addict - stay addicted, that is, the co-dependent person feels "needed" and a cycle of dependency develops around the addict - additive behaviour / substance - caretaker - caretakers compulsive actions / behaviours.

Victim - Co-dependent people feel caught up in the cycle of dependency and feel helpless to break free. They see themselves as victims and are magnetically drawn to others in similar circumstances in their relationships.

Confused - Because of the nature of the disorder, co-dependent people often confuse love with pity and rescuing. They hold on to unhealthy relationships at all costs to avoid feeling abandoned. They feel guilty when trying to be in control, yet they feel driven to control people around them. They desperately seek approval or to be recognized, in part because of their identity loss while trying to hide the addict and addiction problems. And in part because they don't trust themselves or others with all of the lying going on, and can't identify reality very well or trust their own feelings. (Outward shows of appreciation like rewards and approval help ground them).

Unhealthy emotions - Intimacy and personal boundaries become problematic, as escaping reality unfortunately comes with the need to find escape outlets. So dealing with intimate emotional issues like feeling loved can mean reaching out to the wrong person. Anger and how to deal with it also becomes a problem and can be misdirected - both internally, causing health problems like ulcers, and externally, like in violent behaviours, because the person doesn't know hope to cope or where to turn for help. And adjusting to change is burdensome, with lack of effective communication skills and healthy decision-making tossed aside. So depression and anxiety-related emotions surface and fester.

CO-DEPENDENCY HELP

The key to getting help for co-dependency is acknowledging the problem. Then seek help. Check out library articles on co-dependency and to find helpful resources. Search the Yellow Pages (under recovery programs, addiction recovery, etc.) and ask your healthcare provider or local hospitals and healthcare centres for more information and places to start.

Also visit sites like the one for Co-Dependents Anonymous at www.coda.org (in Spanish and English) for contacts in your state, Frequently Asked Questions, meetings, list groups, helpful literature and other tools like the 12-Steps used as a base or foundation in many recovery programs.

For more website, simply conduct a quick search of words or phrases associated with co-dependency. They will yield many sites, chat rooms, list groups, ezines and other helpful resources to aid in recovery. For example, using your favourite search engine, type in words like; co-dependency, co-dependent relationships, and co-dependent recovery.

Also target groups and other resources associated with the addiction(s)directly. Each addiction pretty much has its own network of healing and recovery resources. For instance, there is Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Nar-Anon (for narcotics), etc. Online, simply key in the addiction and "anon" after it or "recovery" to get you started.