Prodependence

Codependency Is a Myth?

Since time immemorial, humans have created comforting yet wildly inaccurate myths to explain the inexplicable. The ancient Greeks believed that Zeus threw thunderbolts when angry to punish them. Meteorology has since taught us that thunder and lightning are natural and have no correlation with our actions. Likewise, medical science has also replaced unfounded myths in the pursuit of healing mental illness and addiction. No longer do we use ineffective or deeply harmful treatments like leeches, primal scream therapy, and lobotomies, which were widely accepted in their day.

And this brings us to codependency, a myth broadly accepted by the general public and therapeutic community since the 1980s. Despite a lack of validated research or acceptance as a legitimate diagnosis, codependency sadly continues to stigmatize and shame loved ones of addicts. Author Rob Weiss asks:

• Can anyone really love too much?

• Why negatively label anyone’s attempts to rescue a failing loved one?

• When did loving someone become a pathology?

• Why blame caregivers for the care and support they offer?

• Why not celebrate those who put themselves aside to help a troubled loved one?

In this revised and expanded edition of the groundbreaking book Prodependence, you will discover a strength based, non-pathologizing view of those who care for deeply troubled, addicted loved ones. Perhaps it’s time to validate rather than challenge a caregiver’s painful journey by providing active, supportive, and non-shaming care. And that is what prodependence is all about.