ASWB Clinical Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In a situation where a couple is experiencing relationship problems linked to alcohol use, addressing the husband's alcohol use is critical because it serves as a foundational issue affecting all aspects of their relationship. Alcoholism can lead to various negative behaviors and emotional states, impacting communication, intimacy, and overall relationship health. By prioritizing this issue, the social worker can begin to understand the dynamics at play and provide targeted interventions.

Tackling the husband's alcohol use first allows for the potential stabilization of the situation, which can subsequently lead to better communication and improved emotional intimacy. Once the substance use is addressed, other related issues such as financial problems or emotional disconnection may become easier to manage. In this context, focusing on the alcohol use aligns with principles of harm reduction and the recognition that substance misuse often underlies other problems in the relationship. Addressing this core issue creates a foundation upon which further relational healing can occur.