“I don’t understand,” the woman said. “It’s my husband who is the alco

“I don’t understand,” the woman said. “It’s my husband who is the alcoholic, not me. Why are you asking me to get involved in his treatment?” Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

a. “You are codependent. You will need to learn how to function independently.”
b. “You are an enabler covering up for your husband, and you have to learn how not to do that.”
c. “You are as ill as he is, just in a different way. You also need treatment.”
d. “You have been hurt by his drinking; you will need support as you try to help your husband stop drinking.”

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: D
The family has suffered the effects of substance abuse emotionally, socially, economically, physically, and spiritually. The family’s wounds must be acknowledged and treated for the substance abuser to return to an environment supportive of recovery. Although the wife may be a codependent or an enabler, labeling her will not help her learn to change and help her husband change.