Alcopops is a term often used to describe flavored alcoholic beverages. View our informative poster here.

WHAT IS CODEPENDENCE?

Codependents are people who don't usually take up for themselves or express their true feelings and preferences. Instead, they defer to others, hiding their objections to what others say and do. People-pleasers and caretakers, they want to maintain peace and solve other people's problems, sacrificing themselves. After years of this behavior many no longer know what their own feelings and needs may be. Deception, unintended and not understood, prevents healthy relating.

As a result, codependents are seldom very close to anyone. Their relationships are troubled, with no intimacy and much stress and worry. Because, of course, no one can solve other people's problems. Each of us must do that for ourselves. Living a codependent life guarantees loneliness, fatigue, and often depression or physical illness.

Their need to take care of others while neglecting themselves makes codependents vulnerable to abuse. They are drawn to needy people, who see them as rescuers. Persons addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, over-eating, and/or control will take full advantage of the codependent (the "doormat" syndrome). When codependents realize they are being abused and start to resist, the addict/controller may resort to violence, even to murder.

Change and recovery starts with confronting the reality of our lives. We cannot do this alone. So we come to get educated and supported in the company of other codependents. If any of this applies to you, come to the Pomeroy Thursday at 5:00pm. CoDependents Anonymous is for you. This is just one group-we can start others. Total confidentiality is maintained. CoDA will change your life.