Evidence-based Clearinghouse Resource Details
Alcohol Behavioral Couple Therapy (ABCT)
Alcohol Behavioral Couple Therapy (ABCT) is an outpatient treatment for individuals with alcohol use disorders and their intimate partners. ABCT is based on two assumptions: intimate partner behaviors and couple interactions can be triggers for drinking, and a positive intimate relationship is a key source of motivation to change drinking behavior. Using cognitive-behavioral therapy, ABCT aims to identify and decrease the partner's behaviors that cue or reinforce the client's drinking; strengthen the partner's support of the client's efforts to change; increase positive couple interactions by improving interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills as a couple; and improve the client's coping skills and relapse prevention techniques to achieve and maintain abstinence.
Contact Information
Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions (CASAA)
University of New Mexico
2650 Yale, SE, MSC 11-6280
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone: (505) 925-2388
http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/ViewIntervention.aspx?id=3
Reference Material
McCrady, B. S., & Epstein, E. E. (2009). Overcoming alcohol problems: A couples-focused program. Therapist guide. New York: Oxford University Press.
McCrady, B.S., Epstein, E.E., Cook, S. Jensen, N.K., & Hildebrandt, T. (2009). A randomized trial of individual and couple behavioral alcohol treatment for women. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(2), 243-256.
Updated: August 16, 2010