Alcoholism in relationships can cause 'co-dependency'

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by Change | 12 Aug 2010

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Alcoholism in long-term relationships often gives rise to "co-dependency", an addiction expert has stated.

A history of alcoholism is a leading cause of relationship break-ups, even if the person affected successfully receives alcohol addiction treatment.

This is according to mental health and addiction expert Andrew M Brown, whose blog in the Telegraph touches upon ex Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy's split from Sarah, his wife of eight years.

Mr Brown wrote that it is common for married alcoholics to go their separate ways after a period of "co-dependency", whereby the partner of the addict effectively becomes the carer. This often involves making excuses on the partner's behalf and trying to conceal the extent of the addiction.

"Any addiction counsellor will testify that getting off the booze is one problem, then the next issue is what to do about the patient's steady relationship," the addiction expert explained in the newspaper.

"Although the partner is not herself addicted, she is sharing the addiction - co-dependent - and she's allowing it to keep it going."

Mr Kennedy confirmed his alcoholism in early 2006, shortly after learning that ITN was intending to report that he had been receiving alcohol addiction treatment.

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