Behavioral Couples Therapy for Substance Use Disorders: A Model for Implementation

Authors: Klostermann K*, Papagni E and Henninger MW

DOI: 10.23880/mhrij-16000148

Volume 5, Issue 2

Abstract

The important role of family in the development and maintenance of substance use disorders is now widely acknowledged by researchers and clinicians alike. Behavioral Couples Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (BCT-SUD) is an evidencebased treatment based on social learning theory which posits that couples in which a partner has a substance use disorder are characterized by a reciprocal pattern of unhealthy substance use and negative relationship dynamics that reinforce relationship dysfunction and problematic substance use. Despite BCT-SUD’s proven efficacy across several domains of functioning, it is not widely implemented into practice. Therefore, the challenge for BCT-SUD researchers and clinicians alike is to identify comprehensive and systemic models for implementation which are not only feasible, but sustainable. The purpose of this paper is to provide a possible model for implementing BCT-SUD in practice as well as identify common barriers to the implementation process.

Keywords: Behavioral Couples Therapy; Evidence Based Treatment; Disorders

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