The clinic nurse speaks with the spouse of a client being treated for alcohol use disorder. Which statements by the spouse indicate codependence? Select all that apply.

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Codependent behaviors are those that allow the codependent person to maintain control by fulfilling the needs of the addict first. Behaviors such as keeping the addiction secret, suffering physical or psychological abuse from the addict, not allowing the addict to suffer the consequences of actions, and making excuses for the addict's habit are hallmarks of codependency. If the addict isn't happy, the codependent person will try to make the addict happy. Codependent persons will focus all their attention on others at the expense of their own sense of self. Codependent spouses, friends, and family members keep the client from focusing on treatment; this behavior is counterproductive to both themselves and the client. (Option A) This statement does not represent codependency but rather indicates that the spouse is focusing on the spouse's own growth and needs rather than the needs of others. (Option B) This statement does not represent codependency; it indicates that the spouse is allowing the client to suffer the consequence of actions. Educational objective: Codependent spouses, friends, and family members can impede treatment progress of clients with substance use disorders. Codependent behaviors include making excuses for a client's drug/alcohol use, putting a client's needs before one's own, and not allowing a client to suffer the consequences of actions.

The Clinic Nurse Speaks with the Spouse of a Client