Recovering from co-dependence: a study of Iranian wives of persons with substance use disorder

Spouses of persons with substance use disorder are likely to suffer from co-dependence, requiring their own process of recovery. Limited research exists, however, describing the process of recovery from co-dependence for this group in Iran. This study aimed to describe recovery from co-dependence among wives of persons with substance use disorder in Nar-Anon self-help groups in Iran. A qualitative case study design was employed to conduct the study. Eleven Iranian wives were selected by purposive snowball sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, non-participation observations and documents. Analyzing the findings through constant comparative method revealed seven interconnected stages of recovery from co-dependence: support system of Nar-Anon, raising awareness, accepting reality, growing spiritually, detaching from unhealthy dependency, being responsible for oneself, and transferring the message of Nar-Anon to others. The findings of this study shed light on the importance of support systems and spirituality in the process of recovery from co-dependence. Dealing with enabling behaviors in the process of recovery was also discussed

Characteristics of co-dependence among wives of persons with substance use disorder in Iran

Substance use disorder is known to adversely affect both the user as well as his or her family members. A consequence of chemical dependence on family members is co-dependence. Co-dependence is associated with an excessive focus on the needs and behaviors of the person with substance use disorder. Most studies in the field of drug-related problems in Iran have focused on the substance user, while few studies have been carried out on the family members. A qualitative case study approach was employed to explore characteristics of co-dependence among wives of persons with substance use disorder in Iran where substance use disorder is a notable social harm. Purposive snowball sampling technique was used to identify 11 Iranian wives of individuals with substance use disorder. The data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face interviews, non-participation observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The analysis yielded five main characteristics of co-dependence among wives of persons with substance use disorder, namely: Denial, enabling behavior, low self-worth, enmeshed self, and weak spiritual relationship with God. The findings showed that except for a weak spiritual relationship with God, most of the characteristics of co-dependence among the participants were similar to the traits of co-dependents found in previous studies conducted outside Iran

Exploring “Enabling Behaviours” of Wives of Persons with Substance Use Disorder in Chapter 8 of the Big Book of Alcoholic Anonymous

Substance use disorder has a damaging effect on the family members of alcoholics and drug users. On the other hand, the reactions and behaviours of family members may negatively influence a person with substance use disorder. The behaviours of significant others of a person with substance use disorder that contribute to the maintenance of substance use disorder are called enabling. This study aimed to explore enabling behaviours of wives of persons with substance use disorder in Chapter 8 of Alcoholic Anonymous’ Big Book by utilising qualitative content analysis. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most commonly used programs for recovery from alcoholism. The current study sought to help mental health professionals get a better understanding of the views and premises of the AA program in reference to enabling behaviours of wives by conducting a qualitative content analysis of the AA Big Book. The study also discusses the healthy behaviours suggested by the authors of the Big Book and the comprehensiveness of the text for the readers