It is natural, and quite common, for spouses and family members to question themselves when it becomes necessary for a loved one to be psychiatrically evaluated for addiction treatment. The family may have many questions and concerns as to his/her welfare and emotional well-being. Frequently asked questions include the following:
- What exactly is wrong with my spouse/family member/loved one?
- Is he/she abnormal?
- Did I do something wrong in my relationship with him/her to cause this?
- Does he/she need to be hospitalized?
- Will he/she require treatment?
- Will he/she “outgrow” or stop performing these behaviors at some point?
- What will treatment cost?
- Where do we go for help?
- What does this diagnosis mean?
- How can my family become involved?
Once a diagnosis is made, family involvement and active participation in treatment
is extremely important for any individual with an addictive disorder. Dr. Scanlan will work with the family to establish long- and short-term treatment goals for your loved
one along with strategies to improve communication between the patient and loved ones. Dr. Scanlan will also determine if a co-dependent relationship exists between
the patient and a loved one.
Codependency or Codependence describes a pattern of detrimental behavioral interactions within a dysfunctional relationship, most commonly a relationship with an alcohol or drug abuser. In general, the codependent is understood to be a person who perpetuates the addiction or pathological condition of someone close to them in a way that hampers recovery. This can be done through direct control over the dependent, by making excuses for their dysfunctional behavior, or by blunting negative consequences. These actions are best described as enabling and are an enormous barrier to recovery for the patient and the family unit as a whole