Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

This eminently practical guide presents an empirically supported approach for treating people with substance abuse problems and their spouses or domestic partners. Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) explicitly focuses on both substance use and relationship issues, and is readily compatible with 12-step approaches. In a convenient large-size format, the book provides all the materials needed to introduce BCT; implement a recovery contract to support abstinence; work with clients to increase positive activities, improve communication, and reduce relapse risks; and deal with special treatment challenges. Appendices include a session-by-session treatment manual and 70 reproducible checklists, forms, and client education posters.

About the Author

Timothy J. O’Farrell, PhD, ABPP, is Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is also Director of the Families and Addiction Program and the Counseling for Alcoholics’ Marriages (CALM) Project at the VA Boston Healthcare System. William Fals-Stewart, PhD, until his death in 2010, was a principal scientist at RTI International, and Director of the Addiction and Family Research Group.