How does codependency contribute to the development of alcoholism?

It hurts both ways: Codependency can "encourage" alcohol abuse in another by softening the consequences of excessive drinking. In that sense, it gives the person false "readings" about the seriousness of their problem. For the alcohol abuser, staking your self-worth/happiness on the opinions of others sets you up for disappointment that can trigger increased drinking when they don't respond as desired.