Codependency / being affected by addiction

Initially, being afflicted by the addiction of another person or persons—frequently known as codependency or co-addiction—was merely associated with alcohol. Today, these terms are used to describe all types of harmful substance abuse and dependency and are defined as “the behavior of persons interacting with addicts who are likely to support addictive behavior and prevent timely treatment” (DHS, 1986).

Codependency does not mean, however, that the partner, colleague, or supervisors also becomes dependent, but that their behavior enables the person concerned to live out his or her addictive behavior without consequences.

In private life, this may entail a partner regularly “stocking up on alcohol” because, for instance, the mood would be unbearable without sufficient supplies in the house. At the same time, they are aware that their partner's alcohol consumption has become a problem. Misplaced caring, for example the claim “but it makes my partner happy,” helps perpetuate addiction.

Codependency in the workplace means ignoring, excusing, or covering up clear signs of substance abuse, such as regular alcohol on the breath at the start of work. This pattern can easily develop when supervisors are insecure or hesitant to broach the subject for fear of being misunderstood or experiencing a defensive response. Maybe you simply feel sorry for a colleague struggling with addiction, e.g., if you know they are going through a hard time.  The suspected addict, however, may misinterpret this as sign that everything is okay and that nobody notices last night’s alcoholic excesses, even if they show up drunk at work, make mistakes, have accidents, or become the subject of complaints.

Often, the afflicted person is the last to suffer from the effects of a potential addiction disorder. Private and professional contact persons are likely to suffer first from the resulting negative behaviors and impact. Thus, the person concerned will not feel motivated to change or grow aware of the problem as long as their abnormal behavior is not addressed.

Guidelines for the workplace:

Supervisors and colleagues:

• Do not take on any additional work arising as a result of reduced performance.
• Approach the colleague in question and request that they adapt their behavior.
• If no change occurs despite repeated approaches, inform your supervisor or contact the Personal Counseling and Addiction Prevention.
• Early intervention prevents a long period of suffering for everyone concerned.
• Do not cover up any mistakes and do not cover up for anybody out of misplaced solidarity!
• Supervisors should not subsequently change days of absence into a vacation leave or approve vacation over the telephone on the same day of the request for leave.
• If you suspect your supervisor may suffer from addiction, we recommend that you contact their supervisor and/or the Personal Counseling and Addiction Prevention.

If you have any questions or uncertainties, do not hesitate to contact the Personal Counseling and Addiction Prevention at any time. We will maintain utter confidentiality if you want to discuss your problem and how to best react.