Codependents Anonymous Texas
Newcomers Info
Newcomers are welcome to attend any CoDA meeting on the schedule. There are also specific newcomer meetings aimed at the needs of newcomers.
Newcomers Meeting in English (Virtual Meeting)
-
Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month
-
Sign up for English speaking newcomer meeting here
Newcomers Meeting in Spanish (Virtual Meeting)
-
Meets 3rd Wednesday of the month
-
Sign up for Spanish speaking newcomer meeting here
Newcomers Meetings
This page is a good place to start and will answer many of your questions. There are downloadable brochures, self-assessment tools, frequently asked questions, and a speaker who shares from her background and recovery.
For those new to CoDA, we typically recommend keeping an open mind and attending at least 6 meetings in order to adequately discover how Co-dependents anonymous can help.
What is Codependence and How can CoDA Help?
Codependence occurs in 5 distinct patterns of behaviors, each of which occur along a continuum. Co-Dependents Anonymous is a non-professional fellowship, and we can offer no specific definitions or diagnostic criteria. Codependence is determined by how much our lives and relationships are affected by these patterns – Self-assessment tools & CoDA Brochures are available below.
Codependent Behavior Patterns
-
Avoidance
-
Control
-
Low self-esteem
-
Compliance
-
Denial
Codependent Patterns
From Am I Codependent?
-
Having trouble setting healthy priorities and boundaries
-
Freely offer advice and direction without being asked
-
Attempt to convince others what to think, do, or feel
-
Compromise their own values and integrity to avoid rejection or anger
-
Put aside their own interests in order to do what others want
-
Do not recognize the unavailability of those people to whom they are attracted
-
Label others with their negative traits
-
Judge harshly what others think say or do
-
Judge what they think, say, or do harshly, as never good enough
-
Have difficulty identifying what they are feeling
-
Minimize, alter, or deny how they truly feel
-
Express negativity or aggression in indirect and passive ways
Whatever the precipitating dysfunction may be, we begin to recognize that the cause lies in deep, long-standing destructive patterns of living. We believe that recovery begins with an honest self-assessment.
From the CoDA Welcome:
-
we have found in each of our lives that codependence is a most deeply rooted compulsive behavior and that it is born out of our sometimes moderately, sometimes extremely dysfunctional family and other systems. We have each experienced in our own ways the painful trauma of the emptiness of our childhood and relationships, throughout our lives.
-
We attempted to use others – our mates, friends, and even our children, as our sole source of identity, value and well-being, and as a way of trying to restore within us the emotional losses from our childhoods. Our histories may include other powerful addictions which at times we have used to cope with our codependence.
More Info about Characteristics of Codependency
Some Characteristics of Codependency
From Fellowship Service Manual Part 2
-
A CoDA meeting is much more than a place to sit and tell your troubles, it is a place to meet people like yourself and to learn from those who are different from you; a place to interact with people focused on learning to have healthy and loving relationships.
From the CoDA Book
-
We become accountable for our codependent behaviors which reinforce patterns of devastation in our lives. We grow in humility as we learn of our own shortcomings and defects of character, and we recognize our skills, talents and successes….
-
We also try to complete the work which helps heal our wounds and perhaps those whom we have hurt.
-
If we attempt to complete the Steps alone, we may perpetuate isolation: a common codependent behavior. In time, many of us seek the loving help of those who have traveled this path before us… these Steps cannot be completed quickly or absolutely; they are not quick fixes.
What are the 12 steps of CoDA?
Recovery
May I share CoDA materials with my clients?
-
You can find pamphlets, service documents, and a list of meetings below or by going to the www.coda.org website.
-
For those new to CoDA, we typically recommend attending at least 6 meetings while keeping an open mind to adequately discover how Co-dependents anonymous can help.
May I, as a professional, attend a CoDA meeting?
-
You are welcome to attend any “open” meeting. Identify yourself by first name only, not as a professional. You are not required to share. Please do not give advice; sharing is about our own experiences.
We are fully self-supporting. Modest donations are encouraged, but not required.
Info for Professionals
Questions & Answers
How is CoDA different from other 12 Step groups such as AA or Al-Anon?
-
Other 12 Step groups support people or friends of people, who have addictions such as alcohol. CoDA supports people to create healthy relations starting with themselves, whether or not addictions exist in their lives.
Does CoDA provide counseling?
-
CoDA is a 12 Step Fellowship and peer support group. It aims to create a safe environment for those wishing recovery from dysfunctional relationships, providing anonymity and freedom from judgement or feedback. In CoDA we share our own experience, strength, and hope. We do not give advice.
We are fully self-supporting. Modest donations are encouraged, but not required.