Helping couples deal with addictions

Abstract

Cognitive therapists offer a menu of evidenced-based treatment options to couples in which one or both partners suffer from addiction. Individuals in such couple relationships are often ambivalent and conflicted. One (or both) may have two conflicting desires: to have a better relationship and to continue to engage in one or more addictive behaviors. The other individual in the couple may also have conflicting desires: to be a loving, concerned, supportive partner and, at the same time, to be free of the stress, anxiety, and emotional upheaval that characterize living with an addicted partner. Cognitive, emotive, and behavioral techniques that are especially effective in helping couples deal with issues related to addiction are addressed in this chapter, as well as a case study illustrating application of concepts.