Couples at the Crossroads: Substance Abuse and Intimate Relationship Deliberation

Abstract

This article discusses a clinical framework when working with couples who are interested in reevaluating their intimate relationship while simultaneously abstaining from or managing the consumption of a preferred substance. Toward this end, this article explores the potential effect of substance abuse on intimacy, contextual aspects of the deliberation process, and preliminary tasks couples can undertake when assessing their relationship. Assumptions regarding substance abuse and treatment are also discussed.