What is Codependency?

Home / Posts tagged "#Substance use disorder"

What is Codependency?

28 January, 2022Articles, News

Codependency, a term often associated with relationships, extends its reach into the lives of individuals who grapple with addiction recovery and substance abuse in Johannesburg and Pretoria. This unhealthy reliance on a partner, typically one battling addiction, can hinder personal growth and the pursuit of mutually satisfying relationships. In this article, we explore the dynamics of codependency, its impact on addiction recovery, and how rehabilitation centres like Crossroads Recovery Centre in Johannesburg and Pretoria offer hope and healing.

Understanding the Cycle of Codependency:

Codependency often finds its roots in dysfunctional families, where a child learns to prioritise the needs of an addicted or mentally ill parent above their own. These early experiences can shape a person’s future relationships, leading to codependent behaviours. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, where the effects of substance abuse are prevalent, it’s crucial to recognize that codependency can manifest in various relationships beyond the classic enabling spouse scenario.

The Characteristics of Codependency:

Codependent individuals may grapple with low self-esteem, deriving their value from taking care of an unhealthy partner. They often see themselves as responsible for their partner’s negative behaviours, engaging in martyr-like roles. Denial plays a significant role in codependent relationships, where the codependent may be blind to their own actions and the impact of their partner’s addiction. The need to rescue the partner is a driving force, leading to an unhealthy reliance on the relationship to avoid feelings of failure and abandonment.

Codependency’s Impact on Relationships:

Codependent relationships exhibit several hallmarks, including poor communication, a lack of boundaries, a relentless need for approval, pent-up anger, dishonesty, and a desire for control. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, where the effects of codependency can exacerbate substance abuse issues, it’s essential to address these destructive patterns.

Overcoming Codependency:

Hope shines for codependent individuals when they embark on a journey of understanding and recovery. Education on the nature of addiction and its impact on relationships is vital. Investigating childhood issues and recognizing destructive relationship patterns are key steps. Identifying and expressing emotions, as well as establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries, are crucial milestones on the path to recovery.

The Role of Rehabilitation Centers:

In Johannesburg and Pretoria, rehabilitation centres like Crossroads Recovery Centre play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of codependency and addiction. These centres offer specialised programmes addressing both substance abuse and codependency. By providing education, therapy, and a supportive environment, individuals can work towards healthier, mutually satisfying relationships and rediscover their own wants and needs. The journey to recovery begins with understanding that one’s happiness is not solely dependent on others, and that it’s possible to let go of destructive relationships.

Codependency, often entangled with addiction recovery, is a formidable challenge in Johannesburg and Pretoria, where substance abuse issues persist. Recognizing the signs and seeking help are essential steps. Rehabilitation centres like Crossroads Recovery Centre offer tailored support, guiding individuals on a path to recovery, healthier relationships, and personal growth. In these cities, help is not far away, and hope is within reach for those willing to embark on the journey to break free from the chains of codependency and addiction.

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043

Pretoria Admissions: +27 82 653 3311

Stories of Recovery

The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
Oliver VG
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On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
Johan B
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I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
Carla S
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"Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
Angelique J
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Home / Posts tagged "#Substance use disorder"

Rehabilitation from substance abuse

08 October, 2021Articles, News

After some trauma and time, either you or a loved one has admitted that they need rehabilitation from substance abuse and now you find yourself in a situation where you need to choose a recovery centre. Choosing a recovery centre for substance abuse can be daunting. There are many different types of treatment centres : faith based programmes, 12-step programmes, SMART recovery programmes, cognitive therapy, dual diagnosis clinics, client-centred approaches, relapse prevention programmes….the choice can be overwhelming and confusing. Below we discuss how Crossroads manages rehabilitation from substance abuse.

Crossroads, Johannesburg is a primary care, rehabilitation from substance abuse centre, offering short-term treatment, (28 days to 84 months). It offers a client-centred approach, built around the 12-step model. Treatment is residential, meaning we offer an in-patient recovery programme, where food, individual counselling, group therapy, family counselling and detoxification are all included in our treatment fee. Although most of our clients come to us for problems with substance abuse, we also treat other forms of addictions, such as : gambling, food, and sex. We do work with most major medical aids, this means that we can manage the authorisations on your behalf before you check-in which minimises some of the stress for you.

As part of the individual therapy, we offer both trauma counselling and 12-Step counselling. Trauma can be defined as a deep psychological wound, one that has a profound impact on the emotional well-being and everyday functioning of the sufferer. Trauma counselling provides an outlet where people can discuss their experiences and develop strategies for dealing with the ongoing difficulties they face as a result. Trauma counselling is done to heal the wounds of the past and to aid the clients in achieving a successful recovery from substance abuse.

All of our counsellors at Crossroads Recovery Centre, Johannesburg have experience in working and living the 12-steps of recovery. Some of our counsellors have over 20 years experience in dealing with substance abuse. In the 12-step process, written step-work is used to inform a large part of the individual counselling process. Through processing step-work with a counsellor, our clients gain insight into their own addiction and how to live successfully once they leave treatment. The integration of the 12-steps in the counselling process means that the clients who leave Crossroads Recovery Centre, adjust well to a supportive, non-professional environment, such as the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Although we are primarily as 12-step based centre for the rehabilitation from substance abuse, we also make use of other therapy models such as : process groups, gender groups, exposure groups, life story groups, planning and objectives groups and spiritual groups. A bit about these groups is explained below :

1. Process Groups

The process group is the most common type of therapeutic group given at Crossroads Recovery Centre. An addictions counsellor is present and facilitates the running of the group while each client is asked to participate. Group therapy is an intensive process, clients are asked to be vulnerable and give feedback to one another. This process is incredibly beneficial as it is the best way for clients to bring the issues they may have to light and start to deal with them in a supportive environment.

2. Gender Groups

In gender groups men and women are separated. This gives each client space to address any gender-specific problems they may have. A counsellor facilitates the group and prepares topics for discussion and reflection. We find that separating the genders gives our clients an opportunity to talk about issues and concerns that they may feel uncomfortable addressing in front of members of the opposite sex. It is a format which encourages a deeper discussion about issues that may be gender-specific and gender-sensitive, for example; sexual abuse, love and sex addiction, marriage problems, sexual dysfunction and expectations set by gender roles.

3. Spiritual Groups

Spirituality is a cornerstone of a 12-step recovery programme. In these groups counsellors address a number of issues related to spirituality. These include topics such as meditation, spiritual principles and finding new ways to connect with a higher power of your own understanding. Though topics and thoughts from certain religions may be brought up, Crossroads Recovery Centre, prides itself on being inclusive of all religions and faiths, or lack thereof. These topics encourage discussion and exploration of new ideas related to each individuals spiritual practice so that they may gain a better understating of the 12 steps as a whole.

4. Planning and Objectives

Many people come into recovery lacking direction and discipline. Weekly planning and objective groups are structured in a way that encourages our clients to set meaningful, attainable, short-term goals in order to work up to achieving long-term objectives. Each week the clients give a report on whether they achieved their goals or not. They are then held accountable by their peers. This continuous process of goal-setting and reporting back, helps our clients learn how to go forward with planning and structure once they leave our facility.

5. Exposure Groups

From time-to-time it becomes apparent that a person may not be doing as well as expected in treatment. This may be for several reasons. It could be holding on to old ideas, refusing to participate, being dishonest or breaking rules in the facility. For whatever reason, the person may be confronted in a group therapy session. In this type of group, several counsellors may participate, and the clients’ peers are given an opportunity to address them directly. We have found that this type of confrontation can be very powerful in addressing problematic behaviours. Subjects of a sensitive or confidential matter are not handled in this type of confrontation.

6. Life Story Groups

As part of the therapeutic process at Crossroads Recovery Centre, all clients are asked to write a life story. This is presented to the group as well as the counsellors. The life story reveals past behaviour patterns and thinking, this combined with behaviour that has occurred in their time at Crossroads Recovery Centre, is processed and feedback is given. The client has an opportunity to hear what their peers and counsellors think. This feedback helps them in their recovery from substance abuse moving forwards, and often reveals what attitudes and behaviours may prove problematic in the long run. From this point our client can move forward with a better understanding of how they can better help themselves.

All of these groups have the primary aim of rebuilding an individual and getting them towards a place where they are able to reintegrate into society and function within their families, social circles and workplaces, harnessing their maximum potential.

The road to rehabilitation from substance abuse is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre, provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it’s just a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA