Q: How does a codependent know they are dying?
An effective ‘GPS’ system can take many forms – an education or support group; individual or family counseling; a good friend – or sometimes even an acquaintance – who’s been there. Depending on the stage of recovery, loved one’s need to gather the following knowledge, assistance and coping skills:
- Information on the addictive process
- Understanding of how addiction affects loved ones, and that families are in recovery too
- Skills to develop helpful relationship dynamics, such as assertive communication and limit setting
- Knowledge regarding stopping relationship interactions that hinder, including enabling, denial and minimizing ‘the problem’
- Learning how to detach with love, and refocus on the self
- Dealing with relapse and other setbacks
- Supporting and protecting children
- Rediscovering personal and family strengths
- Pursuing individual and group activities that are a source of fulfillment and happiness.
Glynis Sherwood – MEd, Canadian Certified Counselor, Registered Clinical Counselor (BC), is a Canadian based Psychotherapist who specializes in Substance Abuse and Love Addiction Recovery, Couples Counseling, Relationship Challenges, Low Self Worth, Anxiety, Depression, Complicated Grief, and Family Abuse Recovery.