For decades, therapists have subscribed to the view that individuals struggling with addiction should address "their own issues" and addiction prior to engaging in relationship or couples therapy. Surprisingly, there is almost no empirical evidence for this widely held belief, which is at odds with therapist's innate knowledge that relationship difficulties can be both precipitating and perpetuating factors in many addictions. The need for addiction therapists to have training in relationship-based approaches to recovery is critically important given that research indicates that couples with alcohol problems are at least four times more likely to separate or divorce (Clarke-Stewart & Brentano, 2006). It is hypothesised that the impact of behavioural addictions such as pornography addiction may be significantly more damaging to the couple and family system.

This presentation argues for a greater embedding of systemic thinking and the embracing of evidence-based couples therapy as a vital component of successful drug and behavioural addiction services. The intersection of addiction with the Gottman's 'Sound Relationship House' Theory will be discussed as a means of understanding the critical elements of effective couples treatment in recovery. The principle of 'Second Hand Addiction' as opposed to co-dependency will be examined alongside a brief overview of practical interventions suited to couples work and recovery.