l OM oARc PSD|37 66 4 10 6
Psychopathology 4802-exam-
prep-short 2024 (University of
South Africa)
, l OM oARc PSD|37 66 4 10 6
• Sign inRegister
•
Exam Reading - Prescribed article
summaries theme 2-5
• University
University of South Africa
• Course
Psychopathology PYC4802
PYC4802 Prescribed
, l OM oARc PSD|37 66 4 10 6
Theme 3
Cox, R. B., Ketner, J. S., & Blow, A. J. (2013). Working with couples and substance
abuse:
recommendations for clinical practice. American Journal of Family Therapy, 41(2), 160-
172.
• Misuse of alcohol and drugs is widespread in modern society with the associated
emotional and physical tolls on individuals, couples, and families. Yet, many
therapists do not assess nor address substance misuse when clients do not identify it as
a presenting problem.
• Despite deleterious effects seldom recognise patterns SU (substance use)
• Professionals focus too narrowly on client-defined problem miss secondary signs SU
o Inadequate training; limited exposure empirical assessment and treatment
• Marriage is a protective factor against SU – lower rates heavy drinking vs non-
married o Heavy alcohol rates remain alarmingly high amongst those married o Illicit
drug use decline with taking on adult roles it can continue into adulthood
• SU seen presenting concern or underlying reason for seeking treatment o 51%
clinicians don’t feel comfortable treating SU
• More research dedicated to alcohol vs other substances – due concomitant use o Large
sample use marijuana or cocaine also drink alcohol o Makes differential effects of
each drug more complex
• Substance refers to licit (alcohol) and illicit (marijuana, cocaine, heroin) Substance
Abuse and Relationships
• Committed relationships (marriage throughout) are affected by substance abuse o
May also contribute to maintaining difficulties or ameliorating the problem
• Intimate partner with mental health disorder (includes SU) create stress and tension o
SU is 3rd behind infidelity and incompatibility for reasons for divorce
• Individuals with formal SU disorders have higher average rates of divorce vs other
marital couples in therapy – 30% source conflict
• Both older and younger couples frequent SU is predictive subsequent divorce The
Protective Effect of Marriage
• By age 35 more than 75% of men and women have been married o Married lower SU
than single and divorces → not all equal benefit being married
• SU 11% married men, 5% married women met the criteria for substance abuse
disorder
• 21 -30y/o SU diagnose at baseline only25% married vs 50% not married have
substance abuse diagnosis 3.5 years later Substance Abuse, Spousal Drinking, and
Peer Networks
• Social networks influence behaviour in almost every area of life
• Transition into marriage involves change peer network
• Peer influences become important predictors of adolescent substance use patterns o
Relation extends to young adulthood o Drinking buddies 75% of social networks for
heavy alcohol use vs 30% regular o Number of ‘drinking buddies’ linked alcohol
misuse after 1-year college students
• New priorities marriage influences social networks and behaviour
Psychopathology 4802-exam-
prep-short 2024 (University of
South Africa)
, l OM oARc PSD|37 66 4 10 6
• Sign inRegister
•
Exam Reading - Prescribed article
summaries theme 2-5
• University
University of South Africa
• Course
Psychopathology PYC4802
PYC4802 Prescribed
, l OM oARc PSD|37 66 4 10 6
Theme 3
Cox, R. B., Ketner, J. S., & Blow, A. J. (2013). Working with couples and substance
abuse:
recommendations for clinical practice. American Journal of Family Therapy, 41(2), 160-
172.
• Misuse of alcohol and drugs is widespread in modern society with the associated
emotional and physical tolls on individuals, couples, and families. Yet, many
therapists do not assess nor address substance misuse when clients do not identify it as
a presenting problem.
• Despite deleterious effects seldom recognise patterns SU (substance use)
• Professionals focus too narrowly on client-defined problem miss secondary signs SU
o Inadequate training; limited exposure empirical assessment and treatment
• Marriage is a protective factor against SU – lower rates heavy drinking vs non-
married o Heavy alcohol rates remain alarmingly high amongst those married o Illicit
drug use decline with taking on adult roles it can continue into adulthood
• SU seen presenting concern or underlying reason for seeking treatment o 51%
clinicians don’t feel comfortable treating SU
• More research dedicated to alcohol vs other substances – due concomitant use o Large
sample use marijuana or cocaine also drink alcohol o Makes differential effects of
each drug more complex
• Substance refers to licit (alcohol) and illicit (marijuana, cocaine, heroin) Substance
Abuse and Relationships
• Committed relationships (marriage throughout) are affected by substance abuse o
May also contribute to maintaining difficulties or ameliorating the problem
• Intimate partner with mental health disorder (includes SU) create stress and tension o
SU is 3rd behind infidelity and incompatibility for reasons for divorce
• Individuals with formal SU disorders have higher average rates of divorce vs other
marital couples in therapy – 30% source conflict
• Both older and younger couples frequent SU is predictive subsequent divorce The
Protective Effect of Marriage
• By age 35 more than 75% of men and women have been married o Married lower SU
than single and divorces → not all equal benefit being married
• SU 11% married men, 5% married women met the criteria for substance abuse
disorder
• 21 -30y/o SU diagnose at baseline only25% married vs 50% not married have
substance abuse diagnosis 3.5 years later Substance Abuse, Spousal Drinking, and
Peer Networks
• Social networks influence behaviour in almost every area of life
• Transition into marriage involves change peer network
• Peer influences become important predictors of adolescent substance use patterns o
Relation extends to young adulthood o Drinking buddies 75% of social networks for
heavy alcohol use vs 30% regular o Number of ‘drinking buddies’ linked alcohol
misuse after 1-year college students
• New priorities marriage influences social networks and behaviour
