Co dependence (or codependency) is usually defined as a behavior where an individual exhibits too much, and often inappropriate, caring for persons who depend on him or her. Another term associated with being "codependent" is enabling. In other words, being codependent is enabling the destructive behavior of an individual close to you to continue. It can also mean an individual may rely on the emotions and opinions of others around them to determine how they feel about themselves.

Although medications are not used to treat most instances of mild withdrawal symptoms, this fact does not negate this critical information:  everyone needs professional treatment when they experience drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

There are many things to consider before labeling yourself an enabler or codependent. No one should consider him or herself an enabler or codependent without first honestly reviewing their own situation and environment. Being compassionate, sympathetic or empathetic to a suffering individual's predicament does not necessarily mean you are being an enabler or a codependent.

If you, by chance, are allowing an active alcoholic to live in your house free of charge while you pay the bills and this has gone on for a while now, well, you may be codependent. The reason being is you are enabling them to continue their destructive behaviors toward themselves and you. Taking little to none of the appropriate action to help a sick individual get well is a good sign of co dependence.

Most residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs begin with a thorough evaluation process that continues throughout the drug detox protocol.  Drug and alcohol treatment consists of many clinical and educational activities that are designed to promote the person's healing process and help him or her develop coping skills needed to avoid relapse.

One drawback many codependents experience is self-identification. If the destructive behavior has gone on for years, they may find themselves subconsciously sabotaging the sick individual's chances of getting better.

A common fear is, "If they get better, what will happen to me? I won't be needed anymore."

The disease of alcoholism and drug addiction is sometimes called a family disease because of all the people it affects. To some degree, everyone who lives with or is close to an active alcoholic or drug addict is sick. Years of destructive and sporadic behaviors of the alcoholic or drug addict will make a sick person out of anyone. Nearly no one is immune, employers, friends, coworkers, and especially the immediate family members.

Another situation for a codependent may be the result from being raised by an active alcoholic or drug addict. Usually what happens for the codependent in this scenario is they are overwhelming dependent on the actions, emotions and opinions of others (such as a parent) to identify who they are. They are, in a sense, grown to believe they are incapable of living a successful life and usually suffer from extreme low self esteem and possibly depression or other psychological disorders.

One solution for someone who is suffering from codependency and would like to learn how to live without it is to attend some type of group support meetings. There, an individual can find freedom from the years of negative programming they experienced as a child, teenager or adult.

Talk with your child about alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Find out what he knows. Explain to him that using these substances can interfere with studying and can cause grades to suffer by affecting memory and learning skills. Describe the harmful health effects of substances. Let him know how these substances can cause problems in relationships and among friends and can tear families apart.

There are numerous groups around the country that can help: Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoA); Al-Anon (for friends, wives and family members of alcoholics in and out of recovery); and Alateen (for children 12 to 20).

If you or someone you know is suffering from codependency, there are options available to you. A quick look in the local phonebook or newspaper will set you on a path of change that will benefit you and everyone around you.

You might not think that you have a drinking problem. You might not drink large amounts of alcohol when you drink, and you may not drink every day.  In fact, you might go for days or even weeks between the times in which you drink.  Numerous Individuals say that they are "social drinkers" mainly because they do not drink every day and because they typically drink only at social functions.  Even if you don't drink frequently, however, you may still be drinking in an abusive manner and, as a result, increasing the probably of becoming alcohol dependent.