Back to resource list

Codependency

Codependency is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual's ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as "relationship addiction" because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive. Codependent behavior is learned by watching and imitating other family members who display this type of behavior. Codependency is not a clinical diagnosis or a personality disorder and has sparked much debate and controversy among psychology experts.