On their webpage, the National Mental Health Association describes co-dependency as a learned emotional and behavioral condition that affects the sufferer's ability to engage in a positive fulfilling relationship with family and friends. It encompasses and affects all relationships.
The concept of co-dependency was first developed and used in the treatment of alcoholism, although the concept has been extended to other addictions, as well. Early on in the development of effective treatment options, it was discovered that alcoholism not only affects the identified alcoholic but also those in close contact with him or her, including friends, family, significant others and co-workers. While there are not physical symptoms of co-dependency, emotional and behavioral issues are often quite easily identified and these issues often lead to physical ailments such as gastrointestinal problems, headaches and migraines, insomnia, depression, anxiety and a wide variety of other significant concerns.
Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse is often credited as one of the pioneers in the chemical dependency field specializing in identification of the concept and treatment of co-dependency. In her work with families, Ms. Wegscheider-Cruse began to identify certain repetitive patterns of behavior and emotional responses. From this observation developed a working model of typical characteristics that are readily identifiable with most individuals who have come into significant, long-term relationships with alcoholics. The idea of using a modality similar to psychodrama was developed by Ms. Wegscheider-Cruse in order to better illustrate family dynamics to those who had been affected. Additionally, it was believed that most co-dependent individuals carry a massive amount of unexpressed and usually detrimental feelings. Her work allowed individuals to not only grasp the concept of co-dependency, but also to begin to release many of the unexpressed feelings and move forward with much more positive experiences. Her therapeutic model of family reconstruction has been utilized in a wide variety of residential treatment and outpatient treatment programs in both drug rehab and alcohol rehab settings. It has proven tremendously effective in helping families cope with the devastation of addiction.
This article is the exclusive property of living-sober.net and may be reproduced in part or entirely as long as credit is properly attributed (including a hyperlink to this page).
Treatment Programs: Alcohol Rehab Programs Drug Rehab Programs Teen/Adolescent Rehab Programs Sober Living Programs Other Addictions
Twelve Step Programs: Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous Crystal Meth Anonymous Cocaine Anonymous Marijuana Anonymous