A codependent relationship is a dysfunctional relationship where one person is overly reliant on the other, and the other person enables this behavior. This can lead to a severe imbalance of power, with one person giving much more time, energy, and focus to the other, who takes advantage of the situation to maximize their own needs
. Codependency is characterized by a lack of healthy boundaries, poor self- esteem, and the feeling of having no personal identity, interests, or values outside of the relationship
. It can be common in relationships where one person has a substance use issue, but it can also occur in other types of relationships, including those with friends, colleagues, or family members
. Codependent relationships are unhealthy because they can lead to one partner sinking deeper into addiction while forcing the other partner to completely lose their sense of self
