Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency

by Robert Weiss

Do you love an addict? Do you sometimes feel like their addiction is your fault? Are people calling you codependent? If our treatment toward loved ones of addicts alienates them, it's time we change our approach. With Prodependence , Dr. Robert Weiss offers us the first fully new paradigm in over 35 years for helping those who love and care for addicts. An attachment-focused model, prodependence recognizes that no one can ever love too much, nor should anyone be pathologized for whomever they choose to love as is often the case. Prodependence informs caregivers how to love more effectively, but without having to bear a negative label for the valuable support they give. When treating loved ones of addicts and other troubled people using prodependence, we need not find something "wrong" with them. Instead, we acknowledge the trauma and inherent dysfunction that occurs when living in relationship with someone whose life is failing and keep moving forward. Validating a caregiver's painful journey for what it is opens the door to support them in useful, non-shaming ways. Helping people take incremental, positive steps toward intimate healing is what Prodependence is all about!

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Addiction

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2018

Reviews

[Casie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the minute I started this I thought the author must have been writing this book about/for me! Finally, someone see’s how being labeled codependent can place blame on someone who is just trying to help and love a loved one struggling in any type of addiction. Prodependence gives loved ones positive steps to take while also validating all that comes with loving or caring for someone in any type of addictive state. I especially hope that all therapists read this book so they can better support the loved ones of those suffering in addictive behavior.

[Debbie Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who loves a person who has an addiction or people interested in attachment theory in general, here is a kinder and more helpful approach than the notion of codependence which can leave people feeling shamed and blamed for nothing more than loving someone.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weiss' book could use editing, but more importantly it kicks the myth of codependency to the curb, and argue for a more compassionate and sensical approach to helping loved ones of addicts.

After all, as Weiss so aptly shares, codependence:
is not an formal diagnosis
has not been corroborated by research results
was reviewed, proposed and rejected by the APA on multiple occasions
is biased against both gender and culture (It figures. Perhaps, this is the inception of the lie.)

[Yasmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very interesting. Offers an alternative to co dependence

[Lori Epting · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing perspective for families who face the struggle of addiction

[Animal Bro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Robert is awesome!