Maritally distressed women with alcohol problems: the impact of a short-term alcohol-focused intervention on drinking behaviour and marital satisfaction

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of a short-term alcohol-focused intervention for maritally distressed women, and to explore changes in relationship func tioning. Design. Participants were assigned randomly to an alcohol-focused treatment or to a waiting-list control group. The waiting-list control grou p began the intervention at 1-month follow-up. Setting. The intervention to ok place at a research and training centre offering outpatient psychology s ervices to the community. Participants. A sample of 32 women with alcohol a nd marital problems were recruited through the media. Participants reported protracted alcohol problems, moderate to severe impact of alcohol on socia l and occupational functioning, and moderate to severe marital distress. Me asurements. Measures of average alcohol consumption, marital distress, rela tional efficacy and depression were administered at pre- and post-therapy, and at 1, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Intervention. The intervention involved six 1-hour sessions, consisting of clinical assessment, motivational inter viewing, cognitive-behavioural strategies and relapse prevention. Results. At 1-month follow-up, the intervention was associated with statistically si gnificant improvements in alcohol consumption, marital satisfaction, relati onal efficacy and depression, and these effects were sustained at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions. At 1-month follow-up the intervention was associate d with decreased alcohol consumption and depression, and increased marital satisfaction and relational efficacy, with evidence of maintained effects a t 12-month follow-up. However, it is unlikely that reduced problem drinking and improved confidence in resolving problems were the only factors produc ing low marital quality in these couples. Further research is needed to ide ntify those individuals who might benefit from marital interventions.