Co-dependency is discussed as a problematic category and its meaning have changed over time and within different contexts. The aim of this study is to take an inside perspective, investigating the lived experience of co-dependency as it is described in Swedish podcasts. The study frames two questions: How the experience of living close to a substance abuser is described in Swedish podcasts and how the co-dependent individuals describe their situation has changed.

The material of the study consists of six episodes of Swedish podcasts focused on addiction and co-dependency. Using methods of qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis the podcasts have been transcribed, coded, and themed according to the framed questions. The identified themes have been analysed from a phenomenological perspective in relation to theories of coping and perceived self-efficacy.

The study identifies six themes which answer the first framed question, as they describe the lived experience of co-dependency: loss of self-focus, searching for approval, need for control, to be in denial and to show a façade. From a phenomenological perspective it is interpreted that co-dependent people direct their intentionality towards the substance abuser. Experiences of denying own needs and protecting an image can be interpreted as a limited lifeworld among co-dependents. The study further identifies a usage of emotional coping strategies during co-dependency. Recovery has been found through problem-solving strategies i.e., to redefine the situation, to search for information and to express feelings.  

To answer the second framed question, how co-dependents describe the experience of changing their situation, themes have been found in finding answers for experienced difficulties and finding support among like-minded. Support given by others are interpreted to have strengthen the perceived self-efficacy by giving opportunity for social learning and positive emotional control.