Curative Factors/Mechanisms of Change
BCT is effective but there is no empirical evidence for the support of BCT’s mechanisms for change, however, there is theoretical rationale.
BCT interventions include:
Treatment Applicability and Empirical Support
BCT has been found to be effective for drug and alcohol problems for committed couples who have been married or cohabitation for at least 1 year.
BCT can increase the capacity of partners to achieve and maintain sobriety through improving their relationship.
Research on BCT with Alcoholism
Research indicates that couples who received BCT as compared to those who only received individual treatment for alcoholism demonstrated…
Research on BCT with Drug Abuse
The text indicates three studies involving the use of BCT with patients with drug abuse related issues. All the studies examined favored using BCT as opposed to other treatment modalities.
Barriers to dissemination of BCT into Community Based Programs
BCT is not typically used in community based alcohol and drug treatment facilities/programs.
BCT is criticized for being too viewed as too costly and requiring too many sessions.
Most BCT studies use master-level therapists for delivery but most community based treatment facilities employ counselors with less education.
Case illustration
Some key details to note from the case presentation in the reading…
BCT is effective but there is no empirical evidence for the support of BCT’s mechanisms for change, however, there is theoretical rationale.
BCT interventions include:
- Teaching methods to reinforce sobriety from within the dyad
- Strategies for improving communication
- Encouraging participation in relationship enhancement exercises
Treatment Applicability and Empirical Support
BCT has been found to be effective for drug and alcohol problems for committed couples who have been married or cohabitation for at least 1 year.
BCT can increase the capacity of partners to achieve and maintain sobriety through improving their relationship.
Research on BCT with Alcoholism
Research indicates that couples who received BCT as compared to those who only received individual treatment for alcoholism demonstrated…
- of fewer alcohol related problem
- abstinence
- happier relationships
- lower risk of martial separation
Research on BCT with Drug Abuse
The text indicates three studies involving the use of BCT with patients with drug abuse related issues. All the studies examined favored using BCT as opposed to other treatment modalities.
Barriers to dissemination of BCT into Community Based Programs
BCT is not typically used in community based alcohol and drug treatment facilities/programs.
BCT is criticized for being too viewed as too costly and requiring too many sessions.
Most BCT studies use master-level therapists for delivery but most community based treatment facilities employ counselors with less education.
Case illustration
Some key details to note from the case presentation in the reading…
- The therapist ensured to explain the assessment procedures to the couple
- To ease Johns mind about bringing in Cynthia, the therapist explained the purpose of seeing the couple together. The therapist explained that the purpose was to assess how the marriage might be contributing to Johns substance use and how it can help his recovery
- Sobriety Contracting should be introduced in early sessions
- Communication skills training was a large part of treatment, teaching partners to make positive, specific requests
- Later sessions dealt with recognized relationship problems, using interventions such as “Catch Your Partner Doing Something Nice” exercises.