Deciding Whether To Stay Or Leave Someone In Recovery

This is not an episode about leaving. Research overwhelmingly supports staying when both people do the work. This gives you the framework to know the difference.BCT (O'Farrell, Harvard; Fals-Stewart, U Buffalo): 30+ years, 100+ studies, 7 RCTs. In EVERY study, BCT couples reported more satisfaction than individual treatment. Meta-analysis confirmed (Powers et al., Clinical Psychology Review, 2008). Reduces DV, improves child outcomes. CDC/SAMHSA/NIJ classify as evidence-based.TWO SITUATIONS:1. Partner in active recovery → stay and engage. 100 studies support this.2. Partner NOT in recovery despite CRAFT → different framework. National Survey (43K adults): untreated AUD predicted dissolution 3 years later.FIVE QUESTIONS (Situation 2): Is safety at risk? Five years if nothing changes? Love or fear? Own work done? CRAFT given time?TO THE PERSON IN RECOVERY: If you are doing the work — 30 years of data says your relationship survives this. This episode is your ally.TOOLS: Five questions on paper when rested • Six-month check-in • Individual therapy before BCT • Financial clarityYour healing matters. You deserve it too.⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). For treatment referrals, call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357. For families: Al-Anon (al-anon.org), CRAFT resources (robertjmeyersphd.com), SMART Family & Friends (smartrecovery.org).