In normal relationships, spouses sometimes help each other out. However, when there is codependency in relationships, this is something that gets in the way of the normal functions of life. Often, the help that one spouse feels they are giving is actually hurting the other person. Enabling someone to drink or do drugs is not what is best, but getting someone help may threaten the dynamic of the relationship, and that is too scary for some to deal with. Rather than risk change, or even losing that person, those is codependent relationships allow things to continue, even when those conditions are less than ideal.