The purpose of Behavioral Couples Therapy is to build support for abstinence and to improve relationship functioning among married or cohabiting individuals seeking help for alcoholism or drug abuse. Research shows that BCT produces greater abstinence and better relationship functioning than typical individual-based treatment and reduces social costs, domestic violence, and emotional problems of the couple’s children. BCT fits well with 12-step or other self-help groups, individual or group substance abuse counselling, and recovery medications. This clinical guideline will lead to increased use of BCT to the benefit  of substance abusing patients and their families.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand clinical research findings supporting the use of BCT to treat alcoholism and drug abuse.

2. Learn a step-by-step model of BCT that promotes abstinence and teaches relationship skills.

3. Appreciate the importance of empirical research to support practice methods.

4. Examine the concept of co-dependency in light of empirical research.