Does Codependency Operate Like Its Own Addiction to a Relationship?

Although codependency doesn't meet the very specific diagnostic criteria for an addiction or "use disorder" as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, there are similarities in the anxiety and preoccupation involved when one is in a codependent relationship versus one having an actual addiction.

Although a substance use disorder or addiction can be lethal, a codependent relationship can be extremely unhealthy, too.

Watch my new short video on this and hopefully it will shed light on one of the consequences of being in a toxic, codependent relationship.