Co-Dependents Anonymous

I am the adult child of two adult children of alcoholics. When my marriage fell apart and I went into therapy, I was baffled when the therapist said, "No Lisa, you're not crazy, but you are severely codependent." Because my parents didn't drink, I was confused by my therapist's diagnosis. And then I read books like Codependent No More and eventually stumbled upon this blue book. I attended my first codependents group--shy--intimidated--and unsure as to what I might find. I had been bullied my entire life by my adult child of an alcoholic mother. I thought her obsessive need to control every thing I did, including how often I changed my underwear when I was a little girl--was the result of a flaw in me. Her inability to trust me--or to be nurturing towards me--made me feel like I was ill--bad--flawed--broken--and never enough. I was well into my thirties, depressed, the mother of three small children and in the throws of a excruciating divorce before I began to understand how lost I was inside of my own being. What I learned to understand was, that codependency isn't like cancer. You can't look at it on a cat scan and say "There it is--now let's go operate and take it out," Codependency is us...it is the way we have been programmed by our caretakers--to disown self--to loathe self--to question self--to worry more about others than we do ourselves. I have turned many of my coaching clients onto this book because I believe so strongly in the enlightening as well as empowering messages about codependency and ultimately--life--that it has to offer. This book is full of personal stories of triumph and human courage. It will inspire you, and even make you cry. It will warm your heart, as it opens your mind...And if you are willing--it will heal your soul too... Namaste... Lisa A. Romano Codependent Recovery Specialist

Great book!

Great read, super insightful. Wishing you the best on your recovery journey.

CODA changed my life. Very grateful to this book

Absolutely love this bood and the awesome healing that comes from it

I purchased a used one. It was in great shape. This book is helping me on my mental health journey. Worth the read.

Excellent! Book arrived in perfect condition! Overnight as well!!

The only requirement for membership in CoDA is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. (3rd Tradition) Preamble except: No matter how traumatic your past or despairing your present may seem, there is hope for a new day in the program of Co-Dependents Anonymous. I found my people.

Self help program

If you are new to the concept of codependency, this will dispel some of your fears around the subject - and if you are already a CoDA member, then it is essential reading. Goes through the CoDA 12-Steps and Traditions in a very reflective style. There's also a big section on other people's experiences and recovery stories. It is a gracious work - almost unimaginable that people would take the time to write something so empathic and so practical, just for other people to benefit from. It is a work of love, but very grounded and down-to-earth. Hits home as well!

gut

So much for anonymity... This is a book used at weekly Codependents Anonymous meetings and I find it helpful to have my own copy for reference.

This excellent book is a clear and reassuring resource for anyone battling with co dependent behaviour, or who knows someone who is suffering. Using the 12 Step programme, this is the 'big blue book' for CODA meetings, and the recognised source book for the programme. Recommended for anyone who needs help in this area.