Co-dependents Anonymous

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) was founded as a twelve-step fellowship designed to help individuals struggling with codependency. It was modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous but focuses on unhealthy relationship patterns rather than substance abuse. CoDA provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can work on establishing healthier relationships with themselves and others.  

 www.coda.org   

Co-Dependent Relationships   

Theistic (non-specific)

Co-Dependents Anonymous was founded in 1986 in Phoenix, Arizona, by Ken and Mary Richardson, both members of Alcoholics Anonymous who recognized the need for a recovery program addressing codependency. The inaugural meeting on October 22, 1986, attracted 30 attendees, and within a month, participation grew to 100. By the end of the year, 120 groups had formed. The first National Service Conference convened the following year, with 29 representatives from seven states.

CoDA helps individuals recognize and heal from unhealthy relationship patterns often rooted in codependency. The program addresses a wide range of relationship issues, including difficulty setting boundaries, people-pleasing and approval seeking, low self-esteem and self-worth, control issues, and enabling. CoDA provides a path to healing by helping individuals recognize these patterns and develop healthier, more fulfilling relationships based on mutual respect, self-care, and emotional independence.

CoDA’s growth continued, and it now maintains approximately 1,000 meetings across the United States, with active groups in 60 other countries. The organization offers a structured program for individuals seeking to develop healthy relationships, emphasizing personal growth and self-awareness.

Co-Dependents Anonymous by CoDA    

Co-Dependents Anonymous uses the same twelve steps as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Available in-person and online, offering a space to share experiences and gain support.

Recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns and taking responsibility for change.

Establishing balanced, respectful, and mutually supportive connections.

Providing a safe and non-judgmental space for sharing.

Learning to validate oneself rather than seeking external approval.

Understanding personal limits and asserting needs effectively.

Strengthening personal recovery by helping others.

In-person: www.coda.org/find-a-meeting/

Online: www.coda.org/find-a-meeting/online-meetings/