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Couples Therapy for Drug Abusing Women in an Inpatient Setting: A Pilot Study

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Abstract

This article describes a pilot study to examine the usefulness of adding a couples therapy component to inpatient drug and alcohol treatment for women. The treatment model was modified from a 12-week integrative systems model that has been empirically supported in outpatient treatment settings. A team of student-therapists received intensive training and supervision in the modified version. This article discusses the ability of chemical dependency counselors to implement this model, includes pre and post treatment comparisons, and qualitative findings regarding the efficacy of the project. The treatment model promises to be usable, safe, and practical in inpatient settings, and merits a more thoroughgoing clinical trial.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Family Studies Center, Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, IN, 46323

    Terry S. Trepper

  2. Department of Human Development, Virginia Tech-Falls Church, 7054 Haycock Road, Falls Church, VA, 22043

    Eric E. McCollum

  3. Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

    Mary E. Dankoski

  4. Perinatal Treatment Program, 1005 E. Jefferson St., Seattle, WA, 98122

    S. K. Davis

  5. Family and Prevention Services, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Department of Social and Health Services, P.O. Box 45330, Olympia, WA, 98504-5330

    Mary Ann LaFazia

Authors
  1. Terry S. Trepper
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  2. Eric E. McCollum
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  3. Mary E. Dankoski
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  4. S. K. Davis
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  5. Mary Ann LaFazia
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Trepper, T.S., McCollum, E.E., Dankoski, M.E. et al. Couples Therapy for Drug Abusing Women in an Inpatient Setting: A Pilot Study. Contemporary Family Therapy 22, 201–221 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007781803665

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