The dynamic between an alcoholic or drug addict and a codependent person is a dangerous one. In this post, we will see about alcoholism, the connection between codependency and substance abuse, the consequences of codependency, the ways in which enabling codependency with a substance abuser can occur, and how to stop the cycle of codependency and substance abuse.
Alcoholism and codependency
Alcoholism and codependency go hand in hand due to the fact that they are both exacerbated forms of the same problem: a dysfunctional relationship. One person, the codependent person, has a never-ending need for assistance, while the other person, the alcoholic or addict, is able to carry on with their damaging activities while accepting assistance. When an alcoholic or drug addict justifies their behavior by saying it’s a method to show their codependent partner love, the dysfunction only becomes worse.
Codependency and substance abuse, as a result, are equal to a mutual and negative reinforcement of each other’s behavior. The reason for this is that both of these factors contribute to a vicious cycle of reliance.
Alcoholism
Classified as a disease nearly 50 years ago, alcoholism has been established as a disorder of the mind and body. Alcoholics lose the ability to make good choices for themselves. An inability to stop drinking, the loss of control over drinking, obsession with alcohol, continuing to drink despite increasingly severe consequences to health, jobs, relationships, finances, and freedom, denial of a problem, and a powerful tendency to relapse or return to alcohol, even after times of quitting, all demonstrate alcoholism.
An alcoholic will, oftentimes unbeknownst to themselves, try to seek romantic partners who support and encourage their drinking habits without any objection. Which is an easier situation for an alcoholic to be in: being with someone who always cleans up the mess and makes them feel better or being with someone who asks them to stop drinking on a regular basis? It may appear that life is easier for everyone involved when an alcoholic is surrounded by codependency, but in reality, each individual in the relationship is giving up their prospects of living a healthy life.
The dynamic that has been developed between these two people is full of unhealthy coping methods, in addition to a genuine belief on the side of each individual that they are alleviating the agony of their partner. This association will only bring about negative outcomes. Both of these individuals are so focused on gaining love that they disregard their own self-care. The alcoholic or addict’s disastrous effects on their employment, health, family life and finances are transferred to their codependent partner.
Substance Abuser
Eventually, stepping in to “help” the substance abuser, the codependent individual will attempt to control all behaviors of an addict or an alcoholic. Truly believing that they are capable of saving the addict, codependents devote all their time to cleaning up messes. The addict or alcoholic will continue having problems stemming from substance use, and the codependent person will continue to come to the rescue, trying to save the substance abuser.
