“Sizing up” codependency recovery

Abstract

Rhetorical examination of codependency‐related, self‐help literature can benefit communication scholars and the recovery industry alike. This analysis uses a dramatistic lens to explore Beattie's bibliotherapeutic portrayal of codependency and codependency recovery. From this vantage point, Beattie's “stylistic medicine” for codependency recovery is depicted as a three‐step, rebirth experience. Codependents first must “name their pain” by recognizing the codependent pollution within them. Second, they must engage in purification through mortification and surrender to God. Finally, they can move toward redemption from codependency by mastering God's lessons. Through these means they can be reborn as “recovering codependents.”