Codependency

Codependency can be defined as a pattern of dysfunctional behaviors between an addict-alcoholic and another important adult in his or her life such as a spouse, parent, sibling, or friend. The codependent is the nonaddicted person in the relationship who acts almost as if addicted to and obsessed with the behaviors of the addict-alcoholic.

Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse has described the codependent as one who becomes emotionally and socially dependent on the addicted partner. The codependent becomes more and more involved with trying to control the actions of the other while giving up more and more of his or her needs, desires, or personal behaviors. The codependent submits to the continued goal of trying to observe and influence the actions of the addict-alcoholic. Some, such as Terry Gorski, ...