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Alcohol-focused spouse involvement and behavioral couples therapy: evaluation of enhancements to drinking reduction treatment for male problem drinkers.

Walitzer KS, Dermen KH

Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA. walitzer@ria.buffalo.edu

This study evaluated the effects of alcohol-focused spouse involvement and behavioral couples therapy (BCT) in group drinking reduction treatment for male problem drinkers. Sixty-four male clients and their female partners were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: treatment for problem drinkers only (PDO), couples alcohol-focused treatment, or the latter combined with BCT. Clients whose partners were included in treatment evidenced fewer heavy drinking days and more abstinent/light drinking days in the year following treatment, relative to PDO clients. The combination of alcohol-focused spouse involvement and BCT yielded no better outcomes than alcohol-focused spouse involvement alone. Drinking consequences, spouse behavioral support for drinking reduction, and relationship satisfaction showed no effects of treatment condition.

Published 22 December 2004 in J Consult Clin Psychol, 72(6): 944-55.
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