The Purpose of Couple's Drug Therapy
This counseling approach works primarily on building relational constructs that seek to deter substance abuse. Over time, unhealthy patterns have developed in any relationship with an addict. Role shifts and imbalances of power become deeply entrenched. Often these patterns unconsciously encourage continued drug usage. When the abuser enters recovery, things begin to balance, and this power redistribution has potential for problems. Couples drug therapy helps couples adjust to the changes inherent in a new sober relationship. It also identifies the strength of positive rewards to encourage continued abstinence. The incentives offered will encourage more cohesive family and marriage ties, as well as providing open and pleasant lines of communication. A tangible sense of happiness and peace in the home is achieved. Hence, the likelihood of a relapse becomes increasingly low. 
Counseling Structure
Couples sessions are scheduled approximately every other week over the span of five to six months. The substance-abusing individual, together with his/her spouse, would then seek to find a solution to their marriage difficulties with the goal of permanent reconciliation.
In addition to joint therapy, the non-addicted partner is encouraged to participate in support programs, such as Al-Anon, to help with the transition. The underlying goal at every stage is the recovery of the addict. To facilitate that end, couples treatment assists both people in the relationship.
Applied Methods of Treatment
A couple’s therapy counselor arranges an appointment with the couple. The patient agrees to sign the “contract of sobriety” wherein he/she takes a pledge not to take any addictive substance for a specified period of time. A daily ritual to reward abstinence is agreed upon by both partners. Spousal support is vital because the spouse will have to ascertain weather a breach of the contract has occurred. The spouse keeps track of the contract’s progress in a daily basis.
Verbal encouragement from the addict’s partner is vital. Both partners agree not to open up old issues from past. Also, fears of possible relapse should not be discussed. These concerns should be tabled until the next therapy session.
Before the start of a new session, the counselor evaluates the progress of the patient under the clauses of the sobriety contract. Results of drug tests are also assessed during this period. Reenactments of past events and portrayals of future concerns are done by the couple. The therapist can then provide insight in to their actions for future reference. Positive trends would be rewarded with praise from the program therapist. Both partners participate in constructive communication activities. After several sessions, couples report an increasing tendency to feel positively about themselves and their marriage.
Patterns need to be applied in daily life. Patients are taught to regularly express gratitude and appreciation to their spouses and vice-versa. Actions as simple as a compliment or a small favor preformed out of gratitude are encouraged. These actions imply that one partner cares greatly for the other. Therefore they are highly effective in restoring a relationship. When bonds of love have been both rekindled and strengthened, great strides towards the prevention of relapse have been made. Having made this progress, a long-term recovery plan is created. Intermittent follow-up meetings are arranged over the coming months and years.
Therapeutic Outcomes
In 2010, a pioneering study was performed on the efficacy of Couple’s Drug Therapy. The subjects of the study were patients who were both married and users of cocaine and/or heroin. The subjects were divided into two groups. One group was engaged in individual therapy sessions while the other group participated in Couple’s Drug Therapy.
The results of the study show that after a six month period, the Couple’s Drug Therapy patients had significantly fewer drug-related arrests and hospitalizations and an overall lower rate of relapse. Therapist surveys revealed that couples who had undergone the Couples Therapy approach were seen as having a more balanced and positive relationship. Communication levels were enhanced and adjustment strategies were observed to be significantly more sophisticated. Lower expenditures for hospitalization and legal fees were also observed. The results imply that Couple’s Drug Therapy patients would have decreased social as compared to those in the individual treatment group. In conclusion, Couple’s Drug Therapy enhances an individual’s chances of recovery, strengthens family dynamics, and reduces societal costs from drug abuse. Couples Drug Therapy is a valid therapeutic option in shaping a positive outcome from addiction.
