Codependence as a relational problem that often, but not necessarily always, occurs in conjunction with familial alcoholism. Previous research has shown that various etiological factors resulting from recurring stressful circumstances experienced in childhood or adulthood may contribute to this relation. Another factor arises out of the "submission script" that may be assumed by women living within a culture that typically promotes unequal power between women and men. To examine the prevalence of codependence and its predictors, a cross-sectional study was conducted among a population of 845 young women seeking primary health care in Mexico City. Odds ratio prevalence (ORP) was used to estimate the strength of possible association between codependence and exposure to several factors. A prevalence of 25% of codependence was found. Multivariate analysis revealed that women with a submissive cultural script were nearly eight times more likely to develop codependence than those without this programming. Other relevant factors were having a partner with probable alcohol dependence, a father with alcohol problems, physical and sexual mistreatment by a partner, and a history of emotional mistreatment.

It is necessary to integrate evaluation and attention for patients' caregivers, recognizing them as individuals and elucidating their constructed meanings and the dynamics established in their relationship with patients. In this way, there would be a more integrative clinical approach of the patient-caregiver relationship, considering not only the necessary pharmacological treatments but also accompanying both patient and family, along the path they travel as they experience BD.

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