This morning I was asked if I could post about some of the characteristics of codependent people to help others understand a little more about codependency. I am more than happy to share what I have learned along this journey and will share some of the very first things that made me realize I had a problem (and it wasn’t just my addict).
I started my recovery back in July of 2005 by attending a Christian 12-step recovery group called Celebrate Recovery. I went to support my (ex) husband as he had just been kicked out of a residential rehab facility. That first night I attended the group for codependents and after the meeting one of the ladies took me over to the table and handed me some literature. When I got home, I was almost sickened to find out that there was a problem with me. I related to everything in these documents. The more I read, the more I realized, they were describing me.
I cannot do justice in describing the characteristics of a codependent so I thought I would share these documents here on my blog. For years I have shared these exact documents when discussing codependency with friends. I hope you read through them and reach out to learn more if you can relate to the statements.
There are many recovery groups for codependents all over the country and even online. I have created a “Resources” page and will add to it as time goes on.
I hope you find these documents as helpful and enlightening as I did. They helped me to start my journey to recovery and I have come to love this road I am on, bumps and all! It’s the bumps that make me better!
Celebrate Recovery ~ Codependency
Journey On Strong 
Wow. That first document described me exactly. Unfortunately “The Solution” isn’t enough for me – I’m not a Christian and will never be one.
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Amy, you don’t gave to be a Christian to learn to love and respect yourself. Al-Anon/Alateen & CoDA teach the same thing but it has no religious affiliation. For me, a Christian based program worked but I have been to Al-Anon also. They have similar documents. Please know that you are worth love and respect and you deserve both. It takes time to learn to give it to yourself but the tremendous life change is so worth it. You don’t have to he a Christian to do that. I hope you are doing well these days!
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Thank you! You’re right, I can still work on respecting myself. I’m doing much better now that I am living back at home with my parents. It’s nice to be taken care of when you’ve spent so long doing all of the care-taking 🙂
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So happy to hear that. Focus on taking care of yourself and doing what is right for you. Healing and growth will come as will joy and peace.
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