Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

If someone is an alcoholic and a wife abuser, is it possible that overcoming the addiction can cause the abuse to stop?

Answer

Stopping drinking is necessary for spouse abuse to stop, but it is rarely enough by itself. In all probability the individual who is abusing his or her spouse also needs to learn some anger management skills, communication and problem solving skills, and probably a few others.

But stopping the drinking and/or drug using is a necessary first step. Without it, I would not be optimistic about making any sustained progress on the domestic violence front.

02/19/98