In A Relationship With A Substance Abuser Directions

In a Relationship with a Substance Abuser Directions

In a Relationship with a Substance Abuser Directions: Nearly everyone probably knows someone who places other people's health, welfare, and safety before their own. When they do this, they can lose contact with their own needs, desires, and sense of self-worth. Please watch the movie When a Man Loves a Woman. It is available from Amazon On-Demand rental for streaming or download and Netflix DVD rental. You may also be able to find the movie at your local public library or video rental store.

Refer to the characteristics of codependent people as discussed in the assigned weekly readings. Choose three of the characteristics to examine. Search the AUO library and include at least one peer-reviewed journal article on treatment for codependence to use for research. Based on the character of the husband in the movie When a Man Loves a Woman, your weekly readings and the research article you reviewed, write a 4-5 page paper that addresses the following for each of the three characteristics you picked: Explain three codependent characteristics. Explain why you have chosen each particular characteristic. Provide three examples, one for each characteristic, of how those codependent characteristics specifically apply to the husband’s character in the film. Evaluate how each codependent characteristic is detrimental to this person's ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships. Analyze how the codependent behavior has evolved within the substance abuse environment. Apply what you have learned from the assigned readings and the peer-reviewed article to recommend at least two strategies for breaking codependent behaviors within a substance abuse environment. Please note that you may locate the movie, When a Man Loves a Woman, on YouTube. Your paper should be 4-5 pages long.

Paper For Above instruction

The film When a Man Loves a Woman offers a poignant exploration of substance abuse and the intricate dynamics of codependency within relationships. Analyzing the husband's character through the lens of established characteristics of codependency reveals insights into how such traits hinder healthy relational functioning and perpetuate cycles of addiction and enabling. This paper examines three core characteristics—denial, caretaking, and low self-esteem—selected for their prevalence and relevance in the narrative, and discusses their detrimental impact, transformation over time within the substance abuse environment, and potential strategies for intervention.

Denial is often the foremost characteristic observed in codependent individuals. It manifests as an inability to acknowledge the extent of a loved one’s substance abuse or the personal toll it exacts. In the film, the husband consistently downplays or minimizes his wife’s drinking problem, often rationalizing her behavior or hoping for change without confronting the truth. This denial prevents him from seeking help or setting appropriate boundaries, thereby enabling her addiction. I chose denial because it serves as a psychological barrier that sustains dysfunctional dynamics and delays intervention efforts, exacerbating both parties’ suffering.

Caretaking is another prominent trait, evident in the husband’s compulsive desire to manage and control his wife's behavior and emotional state. He takes on the role of protector and fixer, often sacrificing his own needs to maintain her stability. An example is how he adjusts his schedule to accommodate her drinking episodes or intervenes during her binges, sacrificing his peace of mind. Caretaking is destructive because it fosters dependency and prevents the addicted individual from taking responsibility for their recovery, thus prolonging the cycle of addiction.

Low self-esteem is embedded in the husband's self-worth being tied to his ability to rescue or support his wife. He perceives his value through his caretaker role, which leads to feelings of inadequacy and guilt if he attempts to assert boundaries. This is reflected in his persistent guilt over his wife’s condition and his reluctance to outwardly criticize her. Low self-esteem hampers the development of authentic, reciprocal relationships and discourages seeking external support or boundaries, crucial for recovery from codependency.

Research indicates that treatment approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy can be effective in addressing codependency, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and boundary-setting (Witworth & Kahn, 2020). These strategies aim to empower individuals to recognize and change maladaptive patterns, promoting healthier relationships. Over time, the husband's behaviors evolve as the narrative progresses, with moments of recognition and attempts at change, yet entrenched patterns hinder fully overcoming destructive behaviors. His journey reflects the complex trajectory of codependency in the context of ongoing substance abuse.

In conclusion, the characterization of the husband in When a Man Loves a Woman illustrates how denial, caretaking, and low self-esteem serve as core traits that sustain destructive relational cycles in substance abuse scenarios. Understanding these traits and their evolution informs targeted interventions, which are essential in breaking patterns of codependency. Implementing strategies such as CBT and support groups can facilitate healthier boundaries and self-worth, ultimately fostering recovery and resilient relationships within the challenging context of addiction.

References

• Witworth, G., & Kahn, M. (2020). Treating codependency: Approaches and interventions. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 118, 108062.
• Braden, V. (2019). Understanding codependency: Causes and treatment strategies. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 73(4), 128-135.
• Friedman, M., & Cohen, C. (2018). The role of therapy in codependency recovery. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 32(2), 150-157.
• Johnson, S. M. (2017). The journey toward healthy boundaries in addiction. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 25(3), 144-152.
• Mitchell, S., & Johnson, R. (2021). The evolution of codependency in addiction environments. Contemporary Family Therapy, 43, 212-229.
• Kennedy, T. (2019). Codependency and self-esteem: Interventions and outcomes. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(5), 857-869.
• Roberts, L. (2022). Behavioral patterns in substance abuse relationships. International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction, 20, 270-286.
• Lee, A., & Wilson, P. (2020). Group interventions for codependent clients. Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 50(3), 99-105.
• Peterson, G. (2018). Breaking free from codependency: Strategies and success stories. Psychological Reports, 122(4), 1574-1590.
• Harrison, D., & McNamara, L. (2021). Codependency and recovery: A systemic perspective. Family Process, 60(2), 345-360.