Others may develop compulsive behaviors like workaholism, gambling, or indiscriminate sexual activity. They find it hard to “be themselves.” Some try to feel better through alcohol, drugs or nicotine - and become addicted. How Do Co-dependent People Behave?Ĭo-dependents have low self-esteem and look for anything outside of themselves to make them feel better. When co-dependents place other people’s health, welfare and safety before their own, they can lose contact with their own needs, desires, and sense of self. The co-dependent person typically sacrifices his or her needs to take care of a person who is sick. The identity and emotional development of the members of a dysfunctional family are often inhibitedĪttention and energy focus on the family member who is ill or addicted. They become “survivors.” They develop behaviors that help them deny, ignore, or avoid difficult emotions. As a result, family members learn to repress emotions and disregard their own needs. They don’t talk about them or confront them.
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