bshs457 | undergraduate

Codependence & Working With Families

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In this course students will demonstrate an understanding of the impact of controlling behaviors and supporting dysfunction in relation to addictions and families. Theories of codependency are explored as a disease of loss of selfhood and an addiction resulting from an imbalance of inner and outer self-awareness. Cardinal characteristics of codependence are examined with a focus on chronic, progressive, malignant and treatable features. Students will demonstrate understanding and skill in case management and referral for treatment in addition to assisting clients with recovery goals, self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-responsibility and self-reflection with a focus on prevalence, and consequences of codependency in families. (3 credits). Prerequisite: BSHS/456



This undergraduate-level course is 5 weeks This course is available as part of a degree or certificate program. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Representative.

Course details:

Credits: 3
Continuing education units: XX
Professional development units: XX
Duration: 5 weeks

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    Substance Abuse and Dependent Behaviors

    • Discuss the twelve promises of co-dependents anonymous (C.O.D.A.) and how these changes in a codependent might affect the addict(s) and their families.

    • Examine medical, physical,  emotional and psychological effects of substance abuse.
    • Analyze the 5 dysfunctional patterns of codependency as defined by CODA (Codependents Anonymous). 
    • Explain how the process of recovery in CODA aligns with the addict’s recovery.
    • Describe the effects of codependence on healthy family functioning. 

    The Environment for Families of Addicts

    • Describe the intergenerational effects of substance abuse on individuals, families’, and cultures within society.

    • Explain how intergenerational patterns of substance abuse are manifested in codependency.

    • Distinguish the traits of a child of an alcoholic as defined by Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA).   
    • Evaluate common conditions of  young children of substance abusers and its impact on childhood development. 
    • Describe the changes in the adult child that contribute to breaking the intergenerational addiction cycle.

    Codependency, Abuse and Referral

    • Specify best practices related to screening and assessment and referrals of addicted persons.

    • Explain the role of abuse history on codependency.

    • Examine the relationship between domestic violence, codependency and family dysfunction.

    • Compare functional and dysfunctional family traits.

    • Evaluate rationale for addiction problems and referral opportunities for the human services professional

    The Nature of Addiction

    • Identify the characteristics of addiction and codependency.

    • Examine the multilayered meanings of addiction and the historical context of addiction.

    • Differentiate between use, misuse and abuse of substances.

    • Explain the consequences of  uncontrolled addiction.

    • Evaluate the implications of an all-inclusive view of codependency on addition recovery.

    The Recovery Process, Engaging the Codependent

    • Identify approaches to minimize denial in the codependent. 
    • Describe strength based approaches which assist codependent clients with recovery goals, increasing self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-responsibility and self-reflection.

    • Explain the implications of codependency in the helping professional.

    • Strategize a prevention program for reducing codependency in adolescents. 
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