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Seeking a treatment program for alcohol, drug
or codependency problems can be very difficult
because it involved change. Few people in
general are comfortable with change and the
fear of change is intensified when it involved
deeply rooted defense mechanisms and methods
of coping with our environment. But many of
us have turned to a treatment program, either
at the urging of a loved one, a judge or on
our own, because we are tired of dealing with
the consequences of codependency and substance
abuse.
Codependency
is tied to alcohol and drug abuse when love
ones of a problem drinker or drug user uses
the same system of denial to suppress feelings
of shame, fear, guilt and insecurity. Alcoholics
attempt to drink away their problems and at
some point must come to grip with the fact
that they are creating more problems than
they are solving. Drug addicts often come
to this realization more quickly depending
on the type of drug they are using and the
severity of the consequences surrounding its
chronic abuse. Codependents on the other hand
do not have a substance to point to for their
destruction and this powerful yet subtle defense
mechanism can manifest in many different ways.
Yet the results of codependent behaviors are
the same as substance abuse behaviors: a loss
of identity, happiness is determined by an
external object outside the self, problems
and drama become progressively worse and the
desire to control becomes more intense.
An effective
treatment program will help identify the destructive
thinking and behavior patterns that reinforce
codependent behaviors just as they do for
substance abuse behaviors. Through individual
and group therapy with other codependents,
treatment focuses on shifting responsibility
to yourself rather than another person, place
or thing. The benefits of effective treatment
are feelings of safety and worthiness and
regaining interest in your own life without
depending on anyone else.
Codependency
cannot simply be conquered by an exercise
of willpower nor will it occur overnight.
Defense mechanisms and behavior patterns associated
with codependent characteristics are often
developed over many years and usually have
their root in childhood. Action and education
is required with honesty and a willingness
to change if treatment for codependency is
going to work.
Spencer Recovery
Centers is ready to help if you are ready
to take the step. You do not have to continue
to resign yourself to one bad relationship
after another. If a loved one is seeking recovery,
please call us today to learn about the many
different programs we offer to help you, the
substance abuser and the whole family.
Spencer Recovery
Centers has been serving the recovery community
for over 12 years and we hope that you will
give us a call if you have any questions.
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