Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself

In Codependent No More, acceptance refers to the process of acknowledging and coming to terms with the reality of one’s circumstances, including the challenges, losses, and changes faced in life. It involves recognizing the truth of a situation without attempting to control, resist, or deny it. This kind of acceptance is crucial in the journey towards personal growth, healing, and finding peace, particularly for codependents who often struggle with letting go of control and embracing reality.

Al-Anon is a worldwide fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of people with alcohol use disorder, based on the 12 steps and the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It provides support, strength, and hope for individuals affected by someone else’s drinking, helping them to focus on their own personal growth and well-being.

In the context of Codependent No More, an “alcoholic” is a person who has a dependence on alcohol and whose drinking habits cause significant problems in their life and the lives of those around them; the term has since been replaced by people-first language such as “person with alcohol abuse disorder.” These people are often the primary focus of their codependent loved ones’ attention and concern.