Codependency, A Christian Perspective
The relationship and the interaction that take place between the substance abuser and the family is called codependency. No family member remains untouched -- all are affected. Unfortunately, many family members deny their anger, hurt, and resentment. However, these damaged emotions are like a rattlesnake lying in a field -- all is apparently peaceful, but when the snake is disturbed, it strikes with venomous fury.
Although the concept of codependency first originated to describe the pathology within the chemically dependent family, it is now recognized as resulting from involvement in any dysfunctional family. Other dysfunctional family systems include:
1) The emotionally or psychologically disturbed family system.
2. The physically, sexually, abusive family system
3) The fundamentalistic or rigidly dogmatic family system.
A major problem we see related to codependency is that once the substance abuser abuser enters treatment and becomes drug-free the family members believe that their problems are over. In many ways, they have just begun. It is all too common that when the abuser gets better, the family gets worse. The emotional damage that they have suffered because of substance abuse has not been dealt with. It is imperative that the entire family go through the treatment program along with the abuser. Codependents must go through the process, not around it
Suggested Reading By Pia Mellody
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