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.