This program is for adults who have alcohol-use disorders and their intimate partners.

Alcohol Behavioral Couple Therapy (ABCT), a community-based outpatient treatment program, is designed to promote and help participants maintain alcohol-use abstinence and strengthen their intimate partner relationships.

Several internal randomized and non-randomized trials have assessed the effectiveness of ABCT. While these studies showed that participants and non-participants were about equally likely to abstain from alcohol or to engage in heavy drinking, there was evidence that reductions in alcohol use were better maintained among program participants. The evaluations also revealed positive effects on marital relationship outcomes. Results of follow-up studies suggested that adding additional components to the program did not improve overall effectiveness.

This program centers on the following beliefs:

• Intimate partner behaviors and couple interactions can be triggers for drinking;
• Intimate partners can reward abstinence;
• A positive intimate relationship can serve as a primary motivation to change drinking behaviors; and
• Reducing stress in an intimate relationship can lessen the risk for relapse.

ABCT assumes that improved communication between partners and the creation of a supportive, positive atmosphere are tools that can be used to encourage individuals with an alcohol-use disorder to become and remain abstinent. Couples are evaluated by a mental health professional, and a treatment plan is developed. Subsequent sessions, which occur at a clinic or private practice, focus on the following:

• Identify the behaviors that contribute to alcohol consumption;
• Increase motivation to change and decrease the behaviors that contribute to alcohol consumption;
• Develop coping skills to help manage high-risk situations;
• Strengthen the partner’s coping skills and encourage his or her support of the individual; and
• Enhance communication between partners and improve relationship quality.

This program was created in 1979 and has been implemented in the United States and internationally.

This program is delivered by facilitators who are certified/licensed mental health or addiction professionals (e.g., counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists) and who have experience treating alcohol use disorders and knowledge of cognitive behavioral therapy. Training is not required; however, an online, self-guided training is available for free from the Research Institute on Addictions. In-person training is also available from program developers. Please use details in the Contact section for more information.

Considerations for implementing this program include recruiting facilitators who have a suitable educational background and experience; allowing facilitators to complete online or in-person training, if desired; acquiring participant buy-in; and locating space to hold sessions.  

The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

If you are interested in implementing ABCT, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

ABCT begins with one 2- to 3-hour evaluation session. Weekly, 90-minute sessions are then delivered for 12 to 20 weeks.

Information on implementation costs was not located.

To move ABCT to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least one year from the beginning of the program or at least six months from program completion.

The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu

You may also contact Barbara S. McCrady by phone 1-505-277-8857 or email bmccrady@unm.edu

https://www.div12.org/treatment/behavioral-couples-therapy-for-alcohol-use-disorders/ and https://nrepp.samhsa.gov/ProgramProfile.aspx?id=142 (This website no longer contains program information)