What term describes the process of understanding one's own feelings while supporting an addicted family member?

The term that best describes the process of understanding one’s own feelings while supporting an addicted family member is codependence. Codependence refers to a behavioral condition where a person may become overly involved in the problems of another, often to the detriment of their own well-being. It reflects a relationship dynamic where one individual feels responsible for the feelings and behaviors of another, particularly in situations involving addiction.

In the context of supporting an addicted family member, a codependent individual may struggle to separate their own emotions from those of the addicted person. They might prioritize the needs of the other person over their own, leading to a cycle of enabling behavior that does not foster true recovery or healing. This awareness of one’s own feelings is essential, as it signifies a recognition of how the addiction affects their emotional state, which is a core aspect of codependence.

The other terms, while relevant in different contexts, do not capture this specific dynamic as well. Caregiving represents taking care of someone in need but does not inherently involve the complex emotional interplay seen in codependent relationships. Self-awareness denotes the general understanding of one’s thoughts and feelings but is not specific to the relational context with an addicted family member. Boundary setting is about establishing limits in relationships but does