There are many definitions used to talk about codependency today. The original concept of codependency was developed to acknowledge the responses and behaviors people develop from living with an alcoholic or substance abuser. A number of attributes can be developed as a result of those conditions.

However, over the years, codependency has expanded into a definition which describes a dysfunctional pattern of living and problem solving developed during childhood by family rules.

One of many definitions of codependency is: a set of maladaptive, compulsive behaviors learned by family members in order to survive in a family which is experiencing great emotional pain and stress. Maladaptive refers to a person's inability to develop behaviors which get needs met and compulsive behaviors are where a person acts against their own will or conscious desires in which to behave. The sources of great emotional pain and stress in the family or couple are usually chemical dependency, chronic mental illness, chronic physical illness, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, divorce, hypercritical or a non-loving environment.

Addiction as a Family Disease
There's the school of thought that addiction and codependency share the same roots. Just as the alcoholic or addict is addicted to a substance, the codependent is addicted to some person, place or thing, such as the relationship with the alcoholic or addict. This dynamic is seen more often than not in the immediate family of the addict.

I have over twenty years experience counseling addicts, alcoholics and family members and addressing the needs of Adult Children of Alcoholics (A.C.A.). As a Registered Addiction Specialist, I can help with family counseling or intervention when needed. Below are links to articles I wrote about how addiction affects family dynamics.