Couple Therapy Treatments for Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Social workers inevitably encounter couples suffering as a result of one partner's substance use disorder. Couples might want to address the impact of the addiction on their couple relationship. Certain models of couple therapy have been well studied as intervention tools in this particular context. This article synthesizes what is known about couple therapy in the context of substance use disorders, through employing a systematic review of existing literature published in the past 20 years (1992–2012). Limitations and identified gaps in the existing literature are discussed, and recommendations are offered for future research on treating couples in the context of substance use disorders.

Keywords:

• addiction
• behavioral couples therapy
• couple therapy
• substance abuse
• substance dependence
• systematic review

Notes

Editor's Note: This article makes reference to many studies conducted by the late Dr. William Fals-Stewart. Readers should be aware that some of his research has been called into question on ethical grounds.