| Abstract: | Clients with alcohol and other substance use disorders are routinely encountered by practitioners in various treatment settings. This article traces the rationale for using marital and family therapy with alcoholics and describes an ongoing behavioral marital therapy program that exemplifies an integration of clinical practice and research in this area. Specific treatment suggestions are offered and practical considerations for therapists working with families struggling with alcoholism are discussed, including the role of self-help groups in family treatment, the danger of having preconceived notions about "alcoholic families," and the necessity for clinics and clinicians to possess the capacity to assess and treat comorbid psychological disorders as well as addictive behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
