Cognitive group therapy for wives of alcoholics--a pilot study

This paper reports on the results of group therapy for the wives of alcoholics where the alcoholics themselves were offered no treatment. The reason for running such a group is based on the idea that wives might seek help before their husbands, might attend sessions regularly and by acquiring better knowledge of alcoholism and improving their use of coping strategies might favourably influence their husbands' behaviour. At 6-month follow-up it was evident that coping styles were learned quickly; the sessions also provided support and friendship. Attendance at the group induced change, though not always positive in all marriages. Suggestions for future work are discussed.