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Codependency and Children of Alcoholics

Man and woman attached by chained hands, representing issues with Codependency and Children of Alcoholics in Peoria IL

Break Out of a Cycle of Codependency with Help from Chapin & Russell Associates

Partners, parents and children of those involved in alcohol or substance abuse often find themselves overly responsible for the actions and behavior of the person suffering from chemical dependency. It can be difficult to set boundaries, manage conflict and intervene effectively without a guide in the process. Support is available from professionals at Chapin & Russell Associates who have decades of experience setting up guided interventions and helping you break free from the vicious cycle of addiction and its impact on your family.

What is Codependency?

To be codependent is more than relying on another. Codependency is a pattern of behaviors where one person neglects their own sense of self and well-being to focus on another’s needs or desires. Often, codependency is closely related to relationships that include alcoholism or mental health disorders. In one person’s attempts to care for another, they withhold much-needed support for themselves. Symptoms of codependency include:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Chronic anger
  • Obsessive/controlling behaviors toward others
  • Difficulty identifying personal thoughts and feelings
  • An exaggerated need for approval
  • Extreme fear of rejection
  • Intimacy issues
  • Mood swings

Alcoholism’s Impact

Unfortunately, codependency is often the result of unprocessed or unaddressed childhood trauma. Children of alcoholic or substance abusive parents can experience hostile and unstable family environments, with feelings of loneliness, neglect and abandonment. In an attempt to make up for the lack of positive emotion and affirmation, children may grow up to be overly reliant on themselves. In adulthood, such trauma and self-reliance foster codependence.

What Can Be Done?

Woman talking with a counselor about issues with Codependency and Children of Alcoholics in Peoria IL

Thankfully, codependency can be processed, worked through, and managed. Chapin & Russell Associates offers very effective guidance for the treatment of codependency through assessment, education and psychotherapy in Peoria IL. We look at the patterns of your past and current relationships and identify any potential traumatic triggers that may have contributed to the development of your codependent tendencies. By identifying the precipitating events of codependence, we can help you select the best treatment method for learning to recognize and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

Contact Our Office

If you are the child of an alcoholic or believe you are struggling with symptoms of codependency, it’s time to seek the support of an experienced counseling team. Talk with Chapin & Russell Associates’ mental health professionals today to discover how to overcome codependency. Learn more about our additional counseling services by calling 309-681-5850. We are located at 3020 W Willow Knolls Dr, Suite 2, Peoria, IL 61614. We offer general counseling services and telehealth therapy for clients in Peoria, East Peoria, Dunlap, Washington, and communities throughout Central Illinois.