Psychology

Behavioral couples therapy for alcoholism and drug abuse: Where we've been, where we are, and where we're going

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Among the various types of couple and family therapies used to treat substance abuse, Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) has the strongest empirical support for its effectiveness. During the last 3 decades, multiple studies have consistently found participation in BCT by married or cohabiting substance-abusing patients results in significant reductions in sub-stance use, decreased problems related to substance use (e.g., job loss, hospitalization), and improved relationship satisfaction. Recently, investigations exploring other outcomes have found that, compared to traditional individual-based treatments, participation in BCT results in significantly (a) higher reductions in partner violence, (b) greater improvements in psychosocial functioning of children who live with parents who receive the intervention, and (c) better cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness. In addition to providing an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of BCT, methods used with this intervention, and the literature supporting its use, this article also examines the future directions of BCT research for substance abuse. © 2OO5 Springer Publishing Company.

Publication Title

Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy

Publication Date

1-1-2005

Volume

19

Issue

3

First Page

229

Last Page

246

ISSN

0889-8391

DOI

10.1891/jcop.2005.19.3.229

Keywords

alcoholism, couples therapy, drug abuse, intimate partner violence

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