The role of family and partnership in recovery from alcohol dependence: Comparison of individuals remitting with and without formal help

The aim of this study was to analyse the role of family and partnership in remission from alcohol dependence in treated (n = 50) and untreated (n = 115) individuals. Standardised questionnaires to assess social support, social pressure, coping behaviour, and self-efficacy to stay remitted were used. In both media-solicited samples, social support increased from the pre- to the post-resolution period and was stated as an important resolution maintenance factor. Remitters with formal help experienced more partnership conflicts prior to remission and tended to experience more social pressure from their partner. Social support and social pressure from the family and partner were related to an increase in cognitive coping, as hypothesised, however, only in remitters without formal help, whereas an inverse relationship was found in formal help seekers. Implications for alcohol-related interventions are discussed.