Freedom from Codependency
A Christian Response
by Philip St. Romain
Freedom from Codependency
A Christian Response
by Philip St. Romain
In these pages, spiritual director and former substance abuse counselor, Philip St. Romain, explores codependency: what it is, its characteristics, the persons it affects, and how it develops. He also details a plan for recovery -- based on the Twelves Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous -- to help one break free from this destructive addiction.
1st edition: Liguori Publications, 1991.Republished by Contemplative Ministries, Inc., 2010
Contents
Acknowledgments
1. What Is Codependency
A Case Study. Characteristics of Codependents. Codependency as Addiction. Stages of Codependency. Expanding the Metaphor.
2. The Shame Game
Troubled Families. Communicating Shame. Codependent Programming. Relational Patterns. Spreading the Bad News. Summary of Addictive Dynamics. Checklist of Codependent Behaviors.
3. The First Steps to Recovery
The First Step. The Second Step. Step Three. Summary.
4. Living Your Own Life
Rehabilitation Versus Habilitation. Stages of Human Development. Inner Child, Inner Parent. How to Re-Parent Yourself. Steps to Retraining. Step Six. Step Seven. Summary.
5. Resolving Emotional Pain
Addiction and Emotional Pain. Cleansing the Soul. Step Four. Step Five. Making Amends. Steps Eight and Nine. Staying Clean and Sober. Step Ten.
6. What Is Christian Love?
What Christian Love Is Not. What Is Love? The Nature of Christian Love. Loving God's Will. Step Eleven. Reaching Out. Step Twelve. Summary.
7. Codependency and Ministry
Characteristics of Codependent Ministers. The Problem of the Addicted Leader. Addictive Patterns From Childhood. The Addictive Ministry Environment. Addictive Dynamics in the Institution.
Appendix One
Addictive Behaviors Checklist
Appendix Two
Caretaking Versus Caring For
Appendix Three
The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
Suggested Reading
