You, me... and drugs - A love triangle: Important considerations when both members of a couple are abusing substances

Concordant couples can be defined as couples in which both partners have issues with "substance abuse." Studies demonstrate that couples display similar patterns of "substance abuse" that cannot be explained by sociodemographic factors alone. Unfortunately, few studies have focused on the unique relationship dynamics and needs of concordant couples. "Substance abuse" by a client's partner can profoundly affect their recovery and treatment. It is therefore important to understand how clients are influenced by their partners' use. This article attempts to define the needs and issues of concordant couples within a broader psychosocial context. In addition, an overview on the concordant couple literature is provided, along with a discussion of effective treatment and potential barriers to treatment.