Co-dependence
Family dynamics—whether supportive or dysfunctional—play a significant role in both the development of addiction and the recovery process. When someone is battling addiction, it’s not just their physical and mental health at stake; their relationships with loved ones are often damaged, too.
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As individuals work to free themselves from addiction, their loved ones may unknowingly engage in codependent relationships that not only enable the addiction but also complicate the healing process.
Boundaries can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and they serve to protect our personal space and emotional health. In the context of addiction recovery, boundaries are essential for maintaining sobriety, rebuilding trust, and fostering healthier relationships.
In a codependent relationship, the "caretaker" derives their self-worth from taking care of the "dependent" partner, who may be struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or other personal challenges.
Addiction often thrives in isolation. It feeds on loneliness, secrecy, and the emotional walls we build around ourselves. Breaking free from addiction requires tearing down these walls and forging meaningful connections—both with oneself and others.
There is an uncomfortably close link between domestic violence and addiction; substance abuse is often the cause of domestic violence, while domestic violence can just as well cause substance abuse.
Therefore, both substance abuse and domestic violence are considered the cause and effect of the other, and when investigating the one the other should always be considered.
The holiday season is upon us and to some this means it’s the time for joyful celebrations and festivities. However, for people who are in addiction recovery, this can be a difficult time of year.
Often, these celebrations take place as social gatherings accompanied by food and alcohol and sometimes even other illegal and harmful substances.
Manipulation comes in many forms and is used by all kinds of people for many reasons. Emotional manipulation in particular is a strong point in people who have some form of addiction.
When dealing with an addict’s manipulative behaviour, it is important to bear in mind that addiction causes people to act outside of reason and logic.
I’ve had a lot of people tell me how 2016 was not their year. But for me, it was one of the most exciting and enlightening years that I’ve ever had.
Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t filled with overseas trips or big fancy events, and it certainly wasn’t smooth all the way.
But last year, was a year of self-discovery and inner growth.
From an outsider’s point of view, it may seem as if addiction only affects the person who is addicted. However, an addiction destroys a family just as much as it destroys the person addicted.
What people don’t see, is how mentally and emotionally exhausting it is to live with an addict.
Members of the family are often torn between trying to help their addicted loved one and how to avoid being used by the addicted love one.
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