Parent Training and Couple Therapy in Alcohol Treatment

Funded by a grant of $470,000 from NIAAA. 2002-2005.
Children of parents who abuse alcohol are at risk for developing psychosocial problems. Also, many parents who enter outpatient treatment for a drinking problem are reluctant to involve their children in treatment. This study examines the efficacy of a couples-based intervention for improving the psychosocial adjustment of children living with alcoholic parents. Specifically, the study builds on pilot research by that shows Behavioral Couples Therapy for alcoholic fathers has positive effects on the family that extend beyond the couple to their children, even when children themselves are not actively involved in treatment. The present study also will evaluate the impact of including parent skills training with marital/couples therapy