Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Behavioral Therapy and Substance Abuse Treatment for Couples

Addiction does not just harm the person abusing drugs or alcohol, but often ends up hurting the people around them as well. When certain addictive behaviors have become commonplace within a romantic relationship, one or both partners can cause significant harm to themselves and their loved one.

For couples who are struggling with addiction, participating in behavioral couples therapy for alcoholism and drug abuse can be life-changing. Keep reading to learn more about this and other couples-based alcoholism treatment and drug rehab services.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, the Find Addiction Rehabs team can connect you with treatment options that can serve all of your care needs with just one phone call.

How Addiction Can Affect Couples

Drug or alcohol addiction can have a devastating impact on a relationship. If your relationship is being affected by increased problematic substance use, you may start to notice several ways in which this behavior has impacted your relationship, including:

• Trust issues: Lying and secrecy are often associated with addiction, which can erode trust in a relationship. The substance abusing partner typically will be secretive about their drug use, or they may lie about where they’ve been or what they’ve been doing. This can make it difficult for the non-addicted partner to trust them, and it can lead to resentment and anger.
• Financial problems: Addiction can be expensive, and it can put a strain on a couple’s finances. The addicted partner may spend money on drugs or alcohol instead of paying bills, saving for the future, or contributing to household expenses, leading to arguments and financial difficulties.
• Communication problems: Addiction can make it difficult for couples to communicate effectively. The struggling partner may be withdrawn or irritable, and they may not be able to express their feelings in a healthy way, which can lead to misunderstandings and arguments.
• Sexual problems: Addiction can also have a negative impact on a couple’s sex life. The addicted partner may be less interested in sex, or they may have difficulty performing sexually. This can lead to frustration and resentment for both partners.
• Intimate partner violence: In some cases, addiction can lead to domestic violence. The addicted partner may become angry or aggressive when they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and they may lash out at their partner. This can be a very dangerous situation, and it’s important to seek help if you’re experiencing domestic violence.

The Impact of Addiction on Families

Addiction does not just harm romantic relationships. When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their abusive habits can be devastating to everyone around them, including their families.

It can lead to financial problems, emotional distress, and even physical violence. Children of addicts are at an increased risk of developing their own addiction problems, and they may also experience feelings of abandonment, anger, and resentment.

Other ways that addiction can impact families include:

• Financial stress: Addiction can be very expensive. The cost of drugs or alcohol can quickly drain a family’s resources, leading to financial problems, such as debt, bankruptcy, and even homelessness.
• Emotional distress: Addiction can cause a great deal of emotional distress for family members. They may feel angry, frustrated, helpless, and hopeless. In some cases, this can even lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Physical violence: Many substances can lead to physical violence when abused. Addicted individuals may become violent towards themselves or others, including their family members.
• Child neglect and abuse: Children of addicts are at an increased risk of neglect and abuse. Addicts may neglect their children’s physical and emotional needs, and may also be physically or sexually abusive towards their children, which can impact their children’s psychosocial functioning.
• School problems: Children of addicts are more likely to have problems in school. They may have difficulty concentrating, paying attention, and completing assignments, and may also be more likely to drop out of school.
• Social problems: Children of addicts are more likely to have problems making friends and forming healthy relationships. They may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, delinquency, and early sexual activity.

What is Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse?

Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) is a type of therapy that helps couples improve their communication, reduce conflict, and increase intimacy. It is based on the idea that couples’ problems are often caused by negative communication patterns and that by changing these patterns, couples can improve their relationship.

This form of behavior therapy can teach couples how to communicate more effectively, how to resolve conflict in a constructive way, and how to increase positive interactions. They also help couples to identify and change any negative patterns that may be contributing to their problems.

BCT is a short-term therapy that typically lasts for 12-20 weeks. It has been shown to be effective in reducing relationship distress and improving constructive communication and intimacy in couples. This includes relationships in which both partners abuse drugs or alcohol.

What Techniques Are Used in Behavioral Couples Therapy?

Whether participating in behavioral marital therapy, behavioral family counseling, or behavioral couples counseling, this form of mental health treatment will often use several techniques to improve relationship satisfaction. A typical session may use techniques like:

Communication Skills Training

Therapists teach couples how to communicate more effectively by listening actively, expressing their feelings in a clear and direct way, and using “I” statements.

Problem Solving Skills Training

Therapists teach intimate partners how to resolve conflict in a constructive way by brainstorming solutions, negotiating, and compromising.

Positive Reinforcement

Therapists help couples to identify and increase positive interactions, such as spending time together, giving compliments, and doing favors for each other. This may also include finding ways to reward abstinence and increase positive feelings in sobriety.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

This is a type of therapy that helps people to accept their thoughts and feelings, and to commit to living a meaningful life. BCT therapists may use these techniques to help couples to accept their differences and to commit to working on their relationship.

BCT is a well-researched and effective therapy for couples and as a part of spouse-involved alcohol treatment. If you are struggling from addiction in your relationship, BCT may be a helpful option for you.

The Evidence Supporting Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

There are several studies and randomized clinical trials showing that behavioral couples therapy for drug abusing patients is an effective treatment modality. In particular, clinical efficacy is prevalent in lowering partner violence as a result of alcoholism through the use of behavioral therapy.

The Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology has several studies that show that violence between cohabiting male alcoholic patients and female substance-abusing patients significantly decreased after a year of behavioral couples therapy, and almost completely disappeared with abstinence.

Another randomized clinical trial found that when considered alongside a comparison group that did not receive this treatment, marital and family therapy was effective for helping both female and male methadone maintenance patients combat their addictive behavior.

While more research is required on the benefit-to-cost ratio, cost outcomes analysis, and the difference between female and male substance-abusing patients’ responses to treatment, the evidence so far appears to be in favor of using behavioral treatments for managing addiction in intimate relationships.

How to Tell if Your Partner is Abusing Drugs or Alcohol

Drug and alcohol abuse can be a difficult topic to talk about, but it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms if you suspect your partner may be struggling with an addiction. Some of the most common signs of drug and alcohol abuse include:

• Changes in behavior: You may notice that your partner is more irritable, aggressive, or withdrawn than usual. They may also start to neglect their responsibilities at work or school, or they may start to miss social engagements.
• Changes in physical appearance: Your partner may have lost weight or gained weight, or their hair or skin is looking unhealthy. They may also start to have trouble sleeping or concentrating.
• Changes in financial habits: You may notice that your partner is spending more money than usual, or that they are borrowing money from you or other people. They may also start to sell belongings or pawn their possessions to get money for alcohol or other drugs.
• Changes in social habits: You may notice that your partner is spending less time with you and other loved ones, and more time with people who use drugs or alcohol. They may also start to lie about their whereabouts or who they are with.
• Appearance of drug paraphernalia: You may start to notice things like empty bottles, needles, or other drug paraphernalia around your home, particularly in spaces they often inhabit.

If you are concerned that your partner may be abusing drugs or alcohol, it’s important to talk to them about it. It can be a difficult conversation, but it’s important to be honest and supportive. You can also offer to help them get treatment.

There are many resources available, including but not limited to behavioral couples therapy, to help people who are struggling with addiction, and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

The Benefits of Addiction Treatment for Married Couples

If you or your spouse is struggling with addiction, it is important to seek help. There are many treatment options available, including inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, support groups, and couples therapy.

Couples therapy can help you and your spouse understand the addiction and its impact on your relationship. It can also teach you how to communicate better and how to support each other through recovery.

If you are considering couples therapy, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to find a therapist who is experienced in treating addiction and couples therapy. Second, be sure to choose a therapist who you and your spouse feel comfortable with.

If both you and your spouse are struggling with addiction, consider making a recovery contract. This will be a set of terms defining your recovery goals and treatment involvement, and can help keep you on track with your sobriety.

How Couples Counseling Can Help Treat Addiction

Behavioral couples counseling is a form of psychoeducational attention control treatment, meaning that it takes into consideration the psychological causes of yours and your partner’s addictive and other negative habits.

By participating in this form of treatment, you can improve communication, helping to deal with the challenges of addiction and the negative emotions that come with it. It can also help you to increase trust within your partnership, which is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship.

Couples counseling can also enhance intimacy, allowing you and your partner to reconnect and develop a deeper level of intimacy. Finally, this treatment method can help reduce stress, allowing both of you to focus on your addiction recovery process.

Other Ways of Treating Drug and Alcohol Abuse

There are many different addiction treatment methods available in addition to behavioral couples therapy, and the best approach for an individual will vary depending on their specific needs and circumstances. Some common treatment methods include:

• Detoxification: This is the process of safely withdrawing from a drug or alcohol addiction. It can be done in a hospital or inpatient setting, or in an outpatient setting with the supervision of a doctor or therapist.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT is a type of treatment that combines medication with counseling and other therapies. Medications can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and can make it easier for people to stay sober.
• Counseling and therapy: Counseling and therapy can help people to understand the underlying causes of their addiction, and to develop coping skills and strategies for staying sober. There are many different types of counseling and therapy available, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
• 12-step programs: 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), are free, self-help groups that offer support and guidance to people in recovery. These groups can help you discuss past drinking and drug use habits in a safe and supportive environment.
• Support groups: Support groups are a great way to connect with other people who are struggling with addiction. There are many different types of support groups available, including online support groups, in-person support groups, and support groups for specific types of addiction.

The most important thing is to find a treatment that works for you and that you are willing to commit to. Addiction is a chronic disease, but it is treatable. With the right treatment, you can recover and live a sober life.

Putting Your Own Recovery Needs First

While those in a relationship will often want to support his or her partner, doing so may not always be the healthiest choice for their own well-being. If you are in a relationship where both you and your partner are struggling with drinking or drug use, couples rehab may not be the best choice.

In many cases, in relationships where both the person and their partner are struggling with an addiction, these individuals often trigger and fuel each other’s abusive habits. In order to effectively overcome their emotional and behavioral problems, individual-based treatment may be best.

While it is normal and even honorable to want to prioritize your partner’s well-being, doing so will only hurt you and cause resentment in the long-term. You cannot help anyone if you do not first help yourself.

This is why it is so important that you first focus on overcoming your own substance use and establishing a solid foundation for your sobriety before seeking out couples addiction treatment services.

Signs That You Should Seek Independent Treatment

While it is normal to want to include and support your partner in the addiction recovery process, this might not always be the best decision. In some cases, a relationship adjustment may not be possible without both individuals doing their own separate healing first.

There are several signs that can indicate that your primary treatment should include individual-based therapy. For starters, if you or your partner’s addiction has led to intimate violence within the relationship, having them present during your recovery can be triggering and intimidating.

This violence does not just have to be physical. Any sort of emotional or domestic abuse can make you feel isolated, fearful, and depressed; all of which are not conducive to your healing. In these cases, it is best to recover from the impacts of addiction while separated from your partner.

Another indicator that it may be better to seek independent treatment is if you and your partner enable each other’s addictive behaviors. If a core element of the relationship is abusing drugs and alcohol together, attempting to seek treatment with them present can be triggering and increase your risk of relapse.

No matter what kind of treatment you decide to participate in and who you choose to allow on this journey, the only person who can decide that you deserve a better life is you. If you are ready to begin your recovery journey, the Find Addiction Rehabs team is here to help.

Get Treatment Options as a Couple Now!

If you are in a relationship that is being affected by substance abuse and are ready to start your treatment process, the Find Addiction Rehabs team is here to help. Our hotline is available 24/7 to connect you with recovery options and resources, anytime.

We work with an extensive network of couples rehab programs nationwide, so that we can find a treatment center in a location that is right for you. The path to sobriety is just one phone call away. So call now to get started today!

FAQs on Behavioral Couples Therapy for Substance Abuse

Can Behavioral Therapy Alone Treat an Addiction?

While behavioral therapies can be an effective means of treating addiction, it is by no means a one-size-fits-all solution. Many people will need to participate in various different treatment methods and programs in order to properly address all aspects of their addiction.

Can I Force My Partner to go to Rehab?

In most cases, you cannot force your partner to go to rehab. In the United States, adults have the right to make their own decisions about their health care, including whether or not to seek treatment for substance abuse.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if your partner is a danger to themselves or others, you may be able to have them involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital. Additionally, some states have laws that allow family members to petition the court to have a loved one involuntarily committed to a substance abuse treatment program.

How Long is Behavioral Couples Therapy?

There is no set duration for how long it will take for you and your partner to complete couples-based therapy. The amount of time you will spend receiving treatment will vary depending on the severity of your and your partner’s drug-using behavior and relationship dysfunction.

Generally, couples can spend anywhere from weeks, months, to even years in treatment. Married or cohabiting couples will often have more extensive relationship problems to work on, while couples who live separately may only require a brief relationship therapy experience.

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