Characteristics of Addictive Relationships
Posted: January 17, 2014 Filed under: Energy Medicine DNA | Tags: 12 Steps, ACOA, Addiction, addictive relationships, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Al-anon, Alcoholics, Beatty, Candess, Candess Campbell, Candess M. Campbell, Characteristics of Addictive, Codependent, Codependent No More, Cohen, dependent, Drug Addiction, Joan of Arc, Leonard Cohen, Melody Beatty, Recovery, relationships 6 CommentsIt was deep into his fiery heart
He took the dust of Joan of Arc,
And then she clearly understood
If he was fire, oh then she must be wood.
I saw her wince, I saw her cry,
I saw the glory in her eye.
Myself I long for love and light,
But must it come so cruel, and oh so bright?
– Leonard Cohen
In a previous blog we looked at how to know when you are in a dysfunctional relationship. Now, let’s look at addictive relationships. These relationships tend to begin quickly and move fast! The beginning is a roller coaster of fun and quickly begins to crash. The attachment is strong because the other person matches your family experience. It is familiar. Generally, those who become relationally addicted or codependent come from alcoholic or drug addicted home.
Here are some Characteristics of an Addictive Relationship.
1. Your needs are not being met.
2. You put your partner’s needs above your own.
3. Something always needs to be processed or fixed.
4. You smile when you are angry.
5. You are afraid to rock the boat.
6. You vacillate between being madly in love and then hurt and angry.
7. Your partner may be emotionally or physically abusive.
8. You make excuses for your partner’s behavior.
9. You experience shame when your partner makes a mistake.
10. You are diminished in the relationship.
11. You know your relationship is not good, but you can’t fix it.
12. You feel trapped, but don’t believe anyone else would love you.
13. You find yourself crying all the time and trying harder and harder.
There is help and the process of healing can be extraordinary.
Recovered codependents, because of their keen abilities are often very successful in many areas of their lives.
The book Codependent No More by Melody Beatty is a good place to start. You can also find a 12 Step Meeting. If your partner is addicted then Al-Anon is a great step. If not, if you had alcoholic, drug-addicted, or dysfunctional parents, the 12 Step Program Adult Children of Alcoholics is helpful. You can also find help with a local counselor drug treatment agency.
candesscampbell 