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Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 6/2011

01-12-2011

The Dawn of Awareness: Women’s Claiming of Self In Couple Relationship with Substance Abusers

Authors: Mavis E. Naylor, Bonnie K. Lee

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 6/2011

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Abstract

This phenomenological study aimed at understanding the experiences of women living with intimate partners with substance abuse problems. Findings show that the five participants’ family-of-origin experiences centrally influenced their degree of awareness of their responses to their intimate partners’ addictive behaviors. Experiences leading to dawning of awareness include an escalating toll on self, critical life events, and the catalytic effect of outsiders’ perspective and support. The discovery of self and care for one’s own well-being precipitated changes in spouse and family relationships. Implications of these findings for clinical practice and recovery are suggested.
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Metadata
Title
The Dawn of Awareness: Women’s Claiming of Self In Couple Relationship with Substance Abusers
Authors
Mavis E. Naylor
Bonnie K. Lee
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-010-9290-5

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