Substance use disorder and codependency are two different conditions, each of which may cause its own problems. Nonetheless, additionally they have some commonalities and may intertwine deeply if each are present in a relationship.
Pete VanDusartz, director of behavioral health at HealthPartners Hospitals and Clinics in St. Croix Valley puts it this manner: of their lives they can be undone or unresolved. And the evolution of interdependence is that the interdependent person starts to fill in those gaps.”
Pete can also be the clinical director of the Programs for Change treatment program and is joined by program coordinators Brian Bartlett and Brian Francis on this episode of the For Health’s Sake podcast. They go into detail concerning the similarities and differences between substance use disorder and codependency, and the way the 2 conditions can influence one another. Our conversation includes:
- How substance use disorders and codependency develop
- Other situations that will contribute to codependency
- How recovery from substance abuse can affect a codependent relationship
- Breaking free from codependency
Help is offered – in whatever form you wish it
Substance use and codependency are difficult topics, especially once they occur together. If you happen to or someone you like needs help, talk to your GP. Your doctor could make an initial assessment and make recommendations, and supply resources where yow will discover additional information and support. And if vital, they will refer you to a mental and behavioral health expert for more specialized care.