Effects Of Codependency

Spending one’s days seeing life through the bottom of a bottle, alcoholics live a life outside reality. So many seek the solution of one’s problems through escaping for a moment, but the moments begin to blur together and become days, months, and years. Although one can escape the problems for a while, back in reality there have been no solutions. These problems begin to affect more than just than the person affected by alcohol. Sobriety is no longer the norm, because one’s body becomes accustomed to the intoxicated state. Alcohol continues to alter one’s personality through the duration of use and completely morphs a person into someone completely different. The anger and disconnection soon destroys relationships and leaves family as collateral …show more content…
Although there are many different definitions of codependency, the most common definition is that “codependency may be defined as behavior patterns that have become habitual, are dysfunctional or at least negatively productive, and are the result of an alcoholic relationship or other dysfunctional system” (Brennan). Many times, research has found that codependency can encourage alcoholics to drink more often than not. A negative relationship that may be caused by the alcoholic themselves can influence how much they drink and when they drink. This is why it is commonly encouraged that family members seek counselling when alcoholics seek treatment.
A huge psychology research trend for addiction has been ongoing for years and has also been indicated for alcoholism. It has been thought that “both cultural and genetic factors can predispose a person to alcoholism, whereas childhood environment per se plays a much less significant role” (Vaillant, Hiller-Sturmhofel). Finding a genetic component to this serious illness is a huge sigh of relief for families with alcoholic family members. It means that one can be already aware of the risks before they take a drink of …show more content…
Accepting that they have a problem is the hardest step to becoming a recovered alcoholic, and the difficulties with it manifest in many different ways. When an alcoholic decides to seek treatment, it is normally to save themselves and their relationships with their families. “Although often clearly eager to access services, many clients either discharge themselves from such units or engage in behaviors that lead to their discharge by staff before treatment has been completed” (Ashworth). Many alcoholics know they have a problem, but will not accept it. When they go into treatment, they know they need to be there, but they cannot get themselves to admit that they need help. They feel like it is a sign of weakness to seek help, but it is one of the strongest things that a person struggling with a mental illness can do. By not completing treatment, they affect not only themselves, but their loved ones who had their hopes high for an