Codependency Recovery: It Begins With You!

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Recovering From Codependency is Like Sitting On a Mountain...

This Lens focuses on relationship addiction, or simply put, codependency. The term "codependency" refers to a tendency to identify one's own value based the words and actions of others. It is an unhealthy relational imbalance, and the codependent person is often abused emotionally and even physically in extreme cases.

Codependency has become a problem of epidemic proportions, and our goal is to educate the general public on how to recognize it, and particularly to help those who are suffering to find comfort and recovery options.

This photo represents the feeling of breaking free from relationship addiction. It is like sitting high upon a mountain, looking at a peaceful scene around you. When you begin to understand your dilemma and take responsibility for it, you begin climbing the mountain. When you tear away the layers of emotional confusion and approach the top of the mountain, it is like a heavy weight is lifted off your shoulders, and you can see more clearly from a new vantage point!

The #1 Secret to Codependency Recovery

Codependency recovery is differs depending on the person, the circumstance, and the desire to move on with a healthier lifestyle. If you suffer from codependency issues, be aware that breaking the cycle of codependency is not an overnight fix and in fact, treatment takes time before new behaviors are formed. Fortunately there are support groups, professionals, and passionate people out there who want to help sufferers get on the road to emotional recovery.

Because codependency can be deep-rooted, steps for recovery will usually involve identifying the source of the issues, and the source can stem from your experiences long ago. We tend to learn behaviors from those closest to us at a young age without any means of comparison, and these behaviors are not necessarily healthy. To experience codependency recovery , you must understand yourself on an intimate level, which usually involves an in-depth personal inventory. You must also begin to realize what went wrong in your life, and realize you are not to blame. If these statements resonate with you, know that it is perfectly okay to feel angry if you did not receive the love you needed as a child. You are not alone if this is the case, and many people with this background tend to develop codependent characteristics.

The most crucial step of codependency recovery is the acknowledgment that you have a problem. Irrational behaviors may make you feel guilty or ashamed, but deep down, those behaviors will have a far more detrimental impact, because the behaviors hide low self-esteem and a sense of worthlessness. Overcoming codependency rests upon your resolution to rid yourself of its shackles. Addiction therapy is exceptionally beneficial as will be talking to others who have experienced the same deeply rooted feelings of insecurities and self-loathing that can go hand-in-hand with your condition.

Strive to understand the reason you tend to get into unhealthy relationships. Even if you feel in control of the relationship, this does not stop the relationship from damaging you further. You could walk away from your partner if the situation has become intolerable, but remember that ending the relationship in and of itself will not cure you. Take time to educate yourself on a healthy recovery. There are many good books available on the subject, some of them at the bottom of this lens.

As a codependent, you may have immersed yourself within the dream of having a perfect relationship and have been willing to invest extra time and hope within a relationship even if you knew deep down that the person was not right for you. It's common for codependents to fall for someone whom they think they can "fix", but as you are learning, true change can only begin with the individual. And the good news is you are an individual who has already taken the initiative to heal. That's the secret! It begins with you. Believe it or not, you have more power than anyone else when it comes to getting better, and you must find that personal power. For more help, visit http://www.codependencynomore.com for free information regarding recovery.

Helpful Links

Lots of people want to help!

Codependency No More
Resources and advice for codependency acknowledgement and recovery.
Codependent Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships.
Melody Beattie
Author and inspiration to those suffering from codependency.

Help With Codependency on Amazon

Here are some great books available on Amazon.com to aid in codependency recovery.
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Tell Us About Your Personal Experience With Codependency

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ptbarnum

William G. Heart is not a counselor, therapist, or doctor. He is one of countless people who have experienced the heartbreaking confusion of codependency.... more »

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