Using Alcohol Behavioral Couples Therapy to Decrease Stress Among Partners Addicted to Alcohol
Justin J. Kasten
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Background
Introduction
Psychological stress perpetrated on spouses and partners, caused by codependency and substance abuse in one partner, is an increasing social problem in several couples throughout the United States. This type of abuse and stress does not have exact criteria for individuals it affects; however, there are some commonalities shared among those suffering. Understanding techniques and methods to lessen the burden and stress for these individuals is essential in curving this issue. Becoming more knowledgeable about coping techniques such as couples counseling …show more content…
It is common knowledge that alcohol does alter the individual’s perception, motor skills, and ability to rationally register information. This alteration does not directly cause harm to the spouse; however, there is an increased risk that misunderstanding of information and behavior will take place resulting in stress and abuse (Bennett, 1997). In addition, the consumption of alcohol and sexual relationship power are correlated strongly. In fact, a study performed by Nkosi, Rich, and Morojele states that, “In addition to SRP, drinking contexts and consumption of alcohol appear to present other dimensions of power imbalances that introduce risky sexual encounters, such as transactional sex, and physical and sexual violence” (Nkosi, Rich, Morojele, 2014). This alone highlights the importance of addressing the issue of relationship stress and alcoholism in their …show more content…
Each element, the last in particular, works toward greatly reducing burden and stress of the counterpart dealing with their partner suffering from AUD. A study conducted by Farrell and Schein revealed that there is a reliable pattern associated with behavioral couples therapy, BCT, and fewer related substance problems, less controversial relationships, decreases in separation and divorce, and stronger communication (Farrell & Schein 2011). This being said BCT has unprecedented amounts of ability in decreasing stress attributable to the previous social factors listed in the
Justin J. Kasten
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Background
Introduction
Psychological stress perpetrated on spouses and partners, caused by codependency and substance abuse in one partner, is an increasing social problem in several couples throughout the United States. This type of abuse and stress does not have exact criteria for individuals it affects; however, there are some commonalities shared among those suffering. Understanding techniques and methods to lessen the burden and stress for these individuals is essential in curving this issue. Becoming more knowledgeable about coping techniques such as couples counseling …show more content…
It is common knowledge that alcohol does alter the individual’s perception, motor skills, and ability to rationally register information. This alteration does not directly cause harm to the spouse; however, there is an increased risk that misunderstanding of information and behavior will take place resulting in stress and abuse (Bennett, 1997). In addition, the consumption of alcohol and sexual relationship power are correlated strongly. In fact, a study performed by Nkosi, Rich, and Morojele states that, “In addition to SRP, drinking contexts and consumption of alcohol appear to present other dimensions of power imbalances that introduce risky sexual encounters, such as transactional sex, and physical and sexual violence” (Nkosi, Rich, Morojele, 2014). This alone highlights the importance of addressing the issue of relationship stress and alcoholism in their …show more content…
Each element, the last in particular, works toward greatly reducing burden and stress of the counterpart dealing with their partner suffering from AUD. A study conducted by Farrell and Schein revealed that there is a reliable pattern associated with behavioral couples therapy, BCT, and fewer related substance problems, less controversial relationships, decreases in separation and divorce, and stronger communication (Farrell & Schein 2011). This being said BCT has unprecedented amounts of ability in decreasing stress attributable to the previous social factors listed in the