Influence of Co-Addiction on the Normalization of Dysfunctional Behaviors: A Mixed-Methods Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55204/trc.v5i2.e533Keywords:
Co-addiction, Dysfunctional behaviors, Addiction, FamilyAbstract
Introduction: Co-addiction among family members of individuals with addiction is a complex emotional phenomenon that perpetuates the addictive cycle. This deep emotional dependency impacts well-being and family dynamics, hindering comprehensive recovery of the addicted person.
Objective: To determine the relationship between levels of codependency and normalization of dysfunctional behaviors in family members of Narcotics Anonymous participants.
Methods: A cross-sectional, non-experimental mixed-methods study was conducted. The sample included 104 adult family members selected through convenience sampling. The Spann and Fischer (1990) Codependency Scale was used to quantify codependency levels, complemented by semi-structured interviews to explore normalization of dysfunctional behaviors. Statistical analysis involved correlation tests and qualitative analysis of interviews.
Results: Sixty-seven percent of participants exhibited high levels of codependency, while 62% demonstrated high normalization of dysfunctional behaviors. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between these variables (r = 0.396, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Normalization of dysfunctional behaviors within the family environment reinforces codependent patterns, hindering the addicted individual's recovery and delaying early professional intervention. Therapeutic interventions promoting critical awareness and healthy boundaries in family dynamics affected by addiction are recommended.
Downloads
References
Anaya Acosta, J., Fajardo Escoffié, A., Calleja, M., & Aldrete Rivera, M. (2019). Dinámicas familiares y codependencia en adolescentes mexicanos. Revista Mexicana de Psicología, 36(2), 123-138. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/rmp.2019.36.2.123
Andronnikova, I. V., & Perminova, L. V. (2017). Codependency and self-esteem in women: A clinical study. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(5), 562–570. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22455
Cabezas Heredia, E., Molina Granja, F., Viñán Guerrero, P. E., Santillán Lima, J. C., & Ayala Martínez, C. J. (2024). Resiliencia en docentes universitarios: estudio de caso en la universidad nacional de Chimborazo. Universidad Y Sociedad, 16(6), 560–569. Recuperado a partir de https://rus.ucf.edu.cu/index.php/rus/article/view/4797
Cabezas-Heredia, E., Molina-Granja, F., Montenegro-Bosquez, G., Salazar, M., Santillán-Lima, J., Ramirez, S., & Cachay-Boza, O. (2023). Assessment of technological stress levels in university staff: case study . EAI Endorsed Transactions on Pervasive Health and Technology, 9. https://doi.org/10.4108/eetpht.9.4471
Castillo, M. (2021). Impacto de la codependencia en la búsqueda de tratamiento especializado para adicciones. Editorial Salud Mental.
Clínica 12 Pasos. (2025). Dependencia emocional y coadicción: Guía para familiares. Clínica 12 Pasos.
Fracchezco, J. (2017). La normalización de conductas disfuncionales y su impacto en la salud mental. Revista de Psicoterapia Integrativa, 12(1), 45-59.
Gallardo Echenique, E., & Calderón Sedano, G. (2018). Enfoques mixtos en investigación psicológica: Aplicaciones y desafíos. Revista Iberoamericana de Métodos Mixtos, 7(1), 15-27.
Herrera, P. (2017). Intervenciones terapéuticas para la codependencia: Estrategias para la transformación familiar. Psicología y Salud, 14(3), 220-235.
Lampis, J., et al. (2017). Emotional patterns in women with codependency traits. European Journal of Psychology, 13(4), 567-580.
Morales, L. (2021). Crianza y codependencia: Estilos parentales y estrategias de afrontamiento en familias con adicciones. Psicología Familiar, 25(2), 98-112.
Pérez Ayme , A. P. ., Caiza Suárez, J. M. ., Paredes Ortega , M. M., Gualoto Gualoto, D. S. ., Santillán Lima, J. C. ., Rivera Campoverde, A. E. ., Rivera Ticona, A. A., Coello Vergara , J. S., & Martínez Serrano, G. D. (2024). Advancements in Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques: A Comprehensive Review. Salud, Ciencia Y Tecnología, 4, 745. https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt2024745
Rogozina, N. (2020). Autoimagen negativa y codependencia en mujeres: Un estudio exploratorio. Psicología Contemporánea, 29(3), 301-315.
Spann, L., & Fischer, J. (1990). Codependency Scale Manual. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.
Vallejo, R. (2019). Análisis cualitativo de la codependencia en familiares de adictos. Editorial Psicológica.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Jenny Fernanda Tamayo Bonilla

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The authors retain the moral and patrimonial rights of their works. They only give to the magazine Tesla Revista Científica the right to the first publication of this. Since Tesla Revista Científica is an open access publication, readers can fully or partially reproduce its content as long as they properly credit the corresponding authors and the journal itself. Tesla Revista Científica undertakes not to make commercial use of the texts it receives and/or publishes.
Our journal is governed by the international policies SHERPA/RoMEO: Green journal: They allow the self-archiving of both the pre-print (draft of a paper) and the post-print (the version corrected and reviewed by peers) and even the final version ( layout as it will be published in the journal).
See also "Copyright and licences".