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This case study aims to analyze the effects of alcohol and substance use on a couple system. An African American, heterosexual couple was selected for analysis due to dual alcohol and substance use negatively impacting their relationship in addition to generalized anxiety and major depressive disorder. The reliance of alcohol and substance use to cope with relational stressors and mental health systems was detrimental to the relationship. The clients initially presented with trust issues stemming from infidelity; throughout the course of treatment, it became apparent the alcohol and substance use was hindering the couple's ability to repair trust and meet their other clinical goals. The couple struggled to find alternative means of coping outside of alcohol and substance use, exacerbating their toxic patterns of interaction. This study displays how cognitive behavioral therapy interventions can be implemented within alcohol and substance abuse context to create change in a couple system.

Relationship satisfaction is a subjective and global evaluation of a romantic relationship based on a sense of happiness, contentment, and fulfillment felt by a partner. Prior research demonstrates that relationship satisfaction can help mediate difficult life situations and stress and may contribute to a partner’s well-being and health. However, the literature examining partner-specific sources of relational satisfaction are lacking. Through a medical family therapy lens, this study examined women’s reported physical health’s impact on relational satisfaction. A total of 555 women in romantic relationships completed a survey with questions from the Medical Outcomes Study 20-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Relationship Assessment Scale. A hierarchical linear regression indicated that physical health, race, and financial status were significant predictors of relational satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of physical health’s impacts on relational satisfaction and provide clinical implications and future directions on strengthening couples’ relational satisfaction.