A psychologist explained the impact of co-dependency on a partner's alcoholism

Alcoholism occurs to a greater extent in people who have lost the meaning of life and due to their lack of purpose for which a person will live. This fact is superimposed on heredity, psychologist Guzel Marinina told Izvestia on February 21. Also, according to her, the occurrence of such a problem can be influenced by close people with co-dependence.

"If a person has no purpose and meaning to his life, there is an inner emptiness, depression and dissatisfaction with oneself. To dull this pain and fill the resulting emptiness, a person begins to "pour" alcohol to unconsciously escape from reality; to get some pleasure. If there is also heredity, then the use of alcohol becomes chronic, which leads to the emergence of dopamine addiction," - said the specialist.

According to her, the treatment of alcoholism is possible only with a comprehensive approach, which includes medicinal, psychological, social and even spiritual aspects. It is necessary to work with the traumas of a person's childhood, the inheritance of alcoholism from ancestors, as well as to help discover the meaning of his life, for the sake of which he will overcome addiction.

"For men, this is especially important. They are hardwired to overcome obstacles to achieve goals. There are cases of young men coming out of alcohol addiction, when a child is born and now you need to start working to provide for your wife and children, that is, the meaning appears," the expert added.

At the same time, she pointed out that the greatest influence on the emergence of alcoholism is exerted by the alcoholic's relatives, including the wife. And if a woman has co-dependence, she first needs to get rid of it.

"Co-dependency is neglecting one's own personal needs in order to try to fulfill the needs of others. It is worthless sacrifice and fear of loneliness, hence obsequiousness and loss of self as a person. Co-dependent relatives with their behavior and emotional reactions unconsciously push a person to alcoholism", - Marinina specified.

She noted that such people know exactly how others should live, but at the same time do not live their lives normally and as a result their hyper-parenting and desire to "do good" "suffocates" the person next to them.

The psychologist advised such people to try to change their behavior. She explained that in the future it can affect the spouse who suffers from alcohol addiction.

The expert advised women to learn to take care of themselves, to satisfy their needs, to love themselves as they are. If it is difficult to get rid of co-dependency on your own, you can try to consult a specialist.

"Self-love can be expressed through taking care of your health and condition, the realization of long-forgotten and pushed into a long box of dreams and desires, following your path, purpose in knowing yourself and the world. Thus, a woman becomes a holistic, multifaceted, beautiful personality; an example for those who come into contact with her. And, first of all, for her loved ones," Marinina emphasized.

According to her, in a relationship with such a woman increases the likelihood of mutual support, personal responsibility and care even on the part of alcohol-dependent husband. Under new conditions, the man has the opportunity to start changing something in his life and get out of the habitual dopamine circle, realizing all the destructive effect of alcoholism on his own life and on relationships.

"This process is most often difficult not only for the alcoholic trying to get out of addiction, but also for the people who are around during this period. This is where I gently encourage you not to take responsibility for your partner's healing. Your task is to support him in the decision to change his life and seek help from specialists who will really help him to defeat his addiction," the psychologist concluded.

Earlier, on November 4, 2024, nutritionist Larisa Gabdulkhakova told Izvestia that excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of reversible arterial hypertension, accounts for about a third of all cases of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. It is also a frequent cause of atrial fibrillation and markedly increases the risk of stroke.