What obsession do codependents often develop regarding individuals with addictions?

Codependents often develop an obsession with helping and controlling others, particularly those with addictions. This behavior stems from a deep-rooted need to be needed, which drives codependents to focus excessively on the problems of the addicted individual. They may believe that their support, intervention, or control can save the person from their addiction, often at the expense of their own well-being.

The connection to addiction creates a dynamic where the codependent may find their self-worth tied to the success of the addicted individual, leading to a cycle in which they attempt to manage and fix the situation. This obsessive desire to help can become all-consuming, resulting in neglect of their own needs and boundaries. In this way, the relationship becomes unhealthy, often exacerbating the addiction and creating further issues for both parties involved.

The other options reflect responses that are less common or appropriate for codependents. Living independently and establishing distance run counter to the codependent's tendencies to stay enmeshed in the relationship. Judging the addicted person may occur, but it is not the primary focus of a codependent's behavior; instead, their motivations are more about control and assistance rather than judgment.