ABOUT THE EPISODE:

"Codependent" is one of the many words that has moved from the mental health field into casual, daily conversation. Unfortunately, its broad use has left most of us without a grounded understanding of what codependency really is, how it can affect our lives, and what to do about it.

Mary is the Faculty and Program Coordinator at San Jose City College Alcohol & Drug Studies Program, the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Recovery Connections Treatment Services, and far too many other programs to list here. Her expertise on attachment and codependency led her to a simple principle: people develop a secure attachment to substances to self-soothe when key adults can’t see them or respond to their needs appropriately.

After decades of clinical work and academic instruction, Dr. Cook is uniquely qualified to explain the connection between codependency and substance misuse. In this episode, we'll cover the three components of codependency - development, behaviors, and physiological consequences - how they’re connected to substance use and our ability (or inability) to set appropriate boundaries, and the crucial concept of "lifting the bottom up" for people struggling with substance use disorders.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Afraid to Let Go: For Parents of Adult Addicts and Alcoholics
• Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love
• Awakening Hope: A Developmental, Behavioral, Biological Approach to Codependency Treatment
• Mary’s email: marycook@connectionscounselingassociates.com
• Mary’s YouTube Channel

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
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