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Codependence

Co Dependence:  This is a state of being overly concerned with the problems of another, to the detriment of one’s own wants and needs. Often part of addiction problems.

The term Co Dependence was first coined in the 1950's in Minnesota where a new model of treating addiction, specifically alcoholism, was emerging. Today this model is the commonly used method of in-patients rehab for addicted individuals and their families.

The treatment professionals began to call the alcoholic patient’s partners, co-alcoholics. The co-alcoholic enabled the alcoholic to continue drinking and alleviated the consequences of his continued drinking through excuses to family, employers and friends etc.   

This Keywords article was created on 30th January 2010