The interaction of employment-related and relationship stress in recovery from addictions

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Author(s): Lee, Bonnie K. ; Merali, Noor-Khanu

Journal: Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: June 07, 2022

Struggling with employment is common in people with addiction issues. This can be stressful and can have a negative impact on couple relationships. However, the interaction between employment, couple relationships, and recovery from addictions has not been well-researched. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of these interconnected concepts. Case notes from 21 couples treated with Congruence Couple Therapy (CCT) were analyzed. Themes were identified under two overarching categories: employment-related stress and skills/awareness from CCT. The authors found that skills and awareness gained from CCT helped to reduce stress and enhance work functioning, which aided in recovery efforts.

Citation: Lee, B. K., & Merali, N. (2022). Employment stress and couple adjustment among clients with disorders of gambling and alcohol use: Themes of transfer in congruence couple therapy. Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, 16, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/11782218221080773

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/11782218221080773

Keywords: alcohol use ; Congruence Couple Therapy ; employment ; family ; family impacts ; gambling ; life stress ; mental health ; partners ; personal impacts ; recovery ; spouse ; substance use ; unemployment ; workplace

Topics: Comorbidities ; Family and Friends ; Information for Treatment Providers ; Lottery ; Substance Use

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Social and Economic Impacts ; Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Psychological Factors ; Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement ; Social - Social Demographics ; Gambling Environment ; Social Factors

Study Design: Secondary Data Analysis

Geographic Coverage: Canada, Alberta

Study Population: 21 couples undergoing congruence couple therapy, where at least one partner struggled with alcohol use and/or gambling disorder

Study Funding:

The data reported in this study are part of a larger randomized controlled trial funded by the Alberta Gambling Research Institute, the Canadian Research Institute in Substance Misuse, and the Canadian Depression Research and Intervention Network, Regional Depression Hub.