Family members who live in the shadow of someone afflicted with alcohol or drug dependence may themselves suffer from something
called co-dependency as they assume the role of caretaker for their addicted loved one. Read more about getting help for co-dependency.
The following is a checklist that will help you determine if you or someone you know may be dealing with co-dependency:
- Do you feel responsible for other people – their feelings, thoughts, actions, choices, wants, needs, well-being and destiny?
- Do you feel compelled to help people solve their problems or try to take care of their feelings?
- Do you find it easier to feel and express anger about injustices done to others rather than about injustices done to yourself?
- Do you feel empty, bored and worthless if you don’t have someone else to take care of, a problem to solve, or a crisis to deal with?
- Are you often unable to stop talking, thinking and worrying about other people and their problems?
- Do you lose interest in your own life?
- Do you stay in relationships that don’t work and tolerate abuse in order to keep people loving you?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions–it may be time to talk to one of Horizon’s counselors. Just give our knowledgeable team a call today at 716.831.1800. We’ll be happy to help you.
Source used to write this checklist: Melody Beattie, author of Codependent No More
Image Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net