Addiction, trauma and couple relationships

This is a short introduction to the connection between trauma and addictions as well as to the impact of addictions and alcohol and drug use problems on relationships. Many people think one has to give up the substance or the addiction before you can work on problems in your relationship. I have found that this is sometimes the case, but also that this is not always necessary: As people get better at managing distress without the need to avoid, and as the relationship improves, substance use can reduce.