COUPLES RESEARCH PROGRAM

Aims:
The Couples Research Program is devoted to research on the nature of interpersonal relationships among persons with alcohol and drug problems, and the role of interpersonal relationships in the process of change.

Approach:
A series of clinical trials forms the backbone of the Couples Research Program. Drs. McCrady and Epstein have developed a model for spouse/partner-involved treatment, and are testing the applicability and effectiveness of the model with different populations. Four major studies have been the focus of the program.

The first was a study of two models of maintenance therapy after alcohol behavioral couples therapy for male alcoholics and their spouses. The basic treatment approach was enhanced with either specific relapse prevention interventions, or with involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.

The second, a study of conjoint treatment for women with drinking problems and their husbands/male partners, examined the interactions between two treatments (individual and couples therapy) and personal characteristics of the couples, including the alcohol/drug use of both partners, psychological functioning, the quality and nature of the marital relationship, and the quality and nature of the woman’s social support system.

In a third study, the research team tested modified version of the couples treatment model to provide outpatient treatment to men with other drug use problems.

The current study extends previous research on women in a study that allows women with alcohol use disorders who are in relationships to select either individual or couples therapy. Information is collected from all women in the study about their intimate relationships and social networks. Women who select couples therapy may receive either 12 sessions of couples therapy, or 12 sessions that are a blend of individual and couples sessions. Women who select individual therapy may receive either standard cognitive-behavioral therapy for alcohol problems, or therapy that includes a focus on specific issues that women present during alcohol treatment.

Personnel:
Barbara S. McCrady, Ph.D.and Elizabeth E. Epstein, Ph.D., Principal Investigators

Thomas J. Morgan, Psy.D., Senior Clinician
Sharon Cook, M.S., Data Manager
Noelle Jensen, M.S.W., Project Manager
Greta Kugler, Program Interviewer
Jean Schellhorn, Program Assistant

Funding:
The Couples Research Program currently is funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Research Grant R37 AA07070, “Testing Alcohol Behavioral and Couples Therapy for Women.” B. S. McCrady, Principal Investigator, $2,126,846, June 1, 2003 – May 31, 2008. MERIT Award to support research program.

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