Overcoming Alcohol Problems: A Couples-Focused Program: Therapist Guide - Softcover

McCrady, Barbara S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195322878 ISBN 13: 9780195322873

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA, 2008

Synopsis

Based on the principles of CBT, this 12-session treatment program is designed for couples wherein one partner has an alcohol use disorder.

About this title

Synopsis

It is well known that alcohol abuse can have a devastating effect on a person's entire life, from work to social life to family relationships. The cycle of alcohol abuse is especially damaging when the individual is in a romantic relationship. When an individual in a relationship struggles with alcohol dependence, both partners suffer and the nature of the relationship can become stressful, dysfunctional, and sometimes violent. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has been proven to be an extremely effective method of treating alcohol abuse problems. Since both members of a couple are so affected when one partner abuses alcohol, this CBT based program is designed to treat them together, to help the drinker overcome his or her problem and the partner understand how he or she can become an agent of positive change. Often, a partner can be an unwitting trigger of alcohol abuse by misreading or miscommunicating situations. This program teaches the non-drinker how to avoid such situations and be a supportive part of the recovery effort.Partners learn to help motivate the drinker to stop, to recognise potential triggers and danger situations, and to prevent relapse once the treatment has ended successfully.

This Therapist Guide outlines a 12-week program, providing session outlines and lists of materials needed to facilitate the treatment. Sessions focus on stimulus control, problem-solving, communication, and building motivation.

About the Author

Barbara McCrady is Professor II at the Center of Alcohol Studies and Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. Elizabeth Epstein is an Associate Research Professor at the Center of Alcohol Studies at Rutgers University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195322878
• ISBN 13: 9780195322873
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288