Codependency occurs when another individual, perhaps the addict's spouse or family member, is controlled by the addict's addictive behavior. Codependents become codependent because they have learned to believe that love, acceptance, security, and approval are contingent upon taking care of the addict in the way the addict wishes. In their decision-making process, they allow the addict to define reality. Unfortunately, this excessively care-giving behavior tends to foster even more dependency on the part of the addict. Some codependents are adult children of alcoholics or addicts and their codependent behavior is the result of growing up in the environment of addiction.

Enabling behavior occurs when another person, often a codependent, helps or encourages the addict to continue using drugs, either directly or indirectly. Examples of individuals involved in enabling behavior are a spouse hiding the addict's disease from neighbors or their children by lying for the addict and a so-called "friend" giving the addict money to buy drugs.

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Relevant Links

Al-Anon / Alateen Family Groups of Connecticut
Al-Anon / Alateen World Services
Co-Dependency - National Mental Health Association
Co-Dependents Anonymous
Families Anonymous