The Role of Partners in Women’s Recovery

Intimate partners play a critical role in women’s introduction to and recovery from alcohol and other drug abuse. Frequently, trauma and domestic violence also influence women’s motivation and ability to recover, as well as their intimate relationships. While an increasing number of treatment programs have begun to address some of these issues through gender-specific and family-focused services, very few involve partners in women’s recovery or directly address the role that they play. To further explore the dynamic intersection among substance abuse, trauma, and intimate relationships, the AIA Resource Center convened a group of technical experts. Two products resulted.

1) A two-day symposium on the Role of Partners in Women’s Recovery was held in Berkeley, CA in August 2002, and featured presentations from Norma Finkelstein, Lisa Najavits, Carl Goodman, Barbara Kappos, and Margaret Gold.

2) A monograph entitled Partners’ Influence on Women’s Addiction and Recovery: The Connection between Substance Abuse, Trauma, and Intimate Relationships was published. The purpose of the monograph is to:

• Provide a better understanding of the role that intimate partners play in women’s recovery from substance abuse
• Explore strategies for helping women to assess their past and present intimate relationships in the context of their addiction
• Present strategies for safely engaging partners in women’s recovery

The monograph is useful for program administrators, clinicians, and policy makers who are concerned with women’s recovery.

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