That is an xcellent link, and I agree with it because the name "codependency" really does get misused and thrown around carelessly as like a weapon.

Some one care about their own family - that is codependent - well no, it is NOT - to care deeply about our own family even when that family is dysfunctional or abuse - that is just normal and natural.

Great resource link.

I agree that codependency is also thrown around too much as a "label" and used in the incorrect "context".

I have read many text book definitions during training to be a Nurse..and I do have co-dependency tendencies...but everything I do is not co-dependent.

Love the article too.

She followed him around with Narcan (an injectable drug used in an emergency to reverse a heroin overdose), hoping to prevent his death.
Although some of her efforts to help him were ineffective, they were not dysfunctional or abnormal under the circumstances.
Narcan carries this warning, Narcan should be administered cautiously to persons including newborns of mothers who are known or suspected to be physically dependent on opioids. In such cases an abrupt and complete reversal of opioid effects may precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome.

It is totally dysfunctional to carry around controlled substances in injectable form and force them on someone without consent unless one has official authority. That is called assault. It is criminal!

The article goes on to claim that injecting another human being without permission or consent is NOT controlling. One cant get any more controlling that this.

She is teaching her son to be so totally dependent on her that he can take overdoses of drugs trying to get high and count on mommy to keep him from dying. He doesnt have to worry about getting too high or overdosing because mommy is there to rescue him.

Codependency is bandies about far too much. But this is a clear case of the actual proper use of the term. This woman has shame because she refuses to allow this child to make his own choices.

To brightside... I somewhat agree to wht u commented about the mom..that itis not nice to not allow other ppl to make their choices.. But note that in the article also along the lines of the mother chasing her son with narcan.. The article mentions this:"Even though her actions were ineffective, her fear and panic were normal reactions. She needed professional help to change the direction of her helping, and a support system to guide and encourage her."
For me.. That should help us to reflect whether were loosely labeling people as codependent or not.. The 'acting out' of the worry and fears may actually be codependent ... But i agree that loed ones of addict should not be loosely labeled for loving and inevitable being affected by the downfall of loved ones.