Partners of substance dependants/abusers are also affected negatively by the addiction. Feelings of self-pity, hatred, avoidance of social contacts and embarrassment have been said to be common in such relationships (Berger, 1993). The role of the therapist is to gain understanding of these functions of substance use in the broader family system in order to explain to the family the development of the behaviour and the function it serves.
Problem solving skills, coping skills, positive interactions and communication skills training are some of the interventions provided (Fals-Stewart, O’ Farrell & Birchler; 2006).