The co-dependency concept: does it offer a solution for the spouses of alcoholics?

The popularity of the co-dependency concept has grown rapidly in the alcoholism treatment field. At the same time, empirical findings gained through scientific research have raised questions concerning the validity of the concept. This paper discusses some of the problems that are created by the disease model of co-dependency and highlights some alternative views that may be more appropriate. It is argued that the field's understanding of the alcoholic/spouse relationship and its ability to help the spouse are limited unless other conceptualizations are seriously considered.