Blog
When Love Hurts: Breaking the Chains of Co-Dependency in Addiction
Addiction is not simply a matter of poor choices or moral failing. It is a progressive, life-threatening disease that hijacks brain chemistry, distorts reality, and robs people of their willpower, relationships, and often—tragically—their lives. When someone we love is drowning in substance or behavioural addiction, our first instinct is to throw them a lifeline made of compassion, protection, and unconditional support. But sometimes, that very lifeline can become a chain.
When Love Clouds Logic: Breaking Free from Codependency in Addiction
Loving someone who struggles with addiction is a heartbreaking experience. The emotional brain—the part of us that craves connection and wants to protect our loved one—often overrides the logical brain, making it difficult to recognize unhealthy patterns.
Breaking the Cycle: The Dangers of Codependency and Enabling in Addiction
As an addiction specialist, I have often witnessed the complex and emotionally charged dynamics between individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones. While the intention to support and protect a loved one is deeply rooted in love and care, these good intentions can sometimes lead to unintended harm. Codependency and enabling behaviours are two such traps that loved ones can fall into, unintentionally prolonging the cycle of addiction. In this blog, we'll delve into the dangers of codependency and enabling, the harm they can cause, and how to foster healthier ways of supporting a loved one in recovery.