Codependency in families of alcohol and other drug users: is it in fact a disease?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2017.v7.104Keywords:
Codependency, substance-related disorders, familyAbstract
The concept of codependency is very popular in the clinical setting in the field of addiction but continues to be a highly criticized and controversial construct in the scientific literature. The objective of this paper was to evaluate state-of-the-art information on the construct of codependency of family members of usersof alcohol and other drugs with regard to etiology and other possible related factors. In this literature review, databases were searched for indexed articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, using the keywords codependency, substance-related disorders, and family. A total of 16 articles were included in the review; according to these articles, the concept of codependency continues to be essentially theoretical and little explored empirically. Attempts have been made to use screening scales, but replication in field studies are lacking. Overall, individuals who self-identify as codependent report positive benefits – probably because they receive support. The term codependency, more than a validated psychological concept, seems to represent a social movement that has empowered family members of users of alcohol and other drugs. More field studies are necessary to achieve the conceptual validation of codependency, as well as to investigate factors related to it. Only then will the real clinical usefulness of this phenomenon be confirmed, and the body of evidence of its existence expanded.
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