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

Abstract

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.