Substance Use and Relationship Functioning: A Parallel Process

Keith Klostermann*, Theresa Mignone, Melissa Mahadeo, Emma Papagni and Rene A Jones

The present paper addresses some of the current literature surrounding Behavioral Couples Therapy

(BCT) as it pertains to couples dealing with substance use. Previous research consistently reveals that BCT is an effective means for increasing dyadic functioning while simultaneously decreasing substance use in individuals. Probing further, researchers have found that there is increased relationship dissatisfaction in couples with only one substance abusing partner as opposed to those where either both

or neither of the partners uses substances, which is suggestive of mediating and/or moderating variables.

However, little is known as to what these variables may be, or why these effects occur. As such, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has sought to identify the “Mechanisms of Action of

Behavioral Treatments for Alcoholism” which would further aid in the generalizability and dissemination

of empirically-supported treatments into clinical practice. The present manuscript is in accordance with

this viewpoint, and highlights the importance for further research.

Keywords: Substance use; Relationship functioning; Behavioral couples therapy

Published on: Apr 10, 2017 Pages: 11-15

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-3484.000020
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