Oxytocin for Couples Conflict Resolution

Substance use disorders (SUD) are characterized by dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA). The neuropeptide oxytocin, commonly administered as an intranasal spray, is a drug that has prominent anxiolytic and prosocial effects on human behaviors. While the mechanisms of action facilitating the behavioral effects of oxytocin in humans is complex and many questions about this process remain, there is a consensus in the existing literature that oxytocin modulates HPA axis reactivity to stressful social stimuli. Preliminary studies suggest that oxytocin is known to reduce couple conflict among normative couples. A more developed line of research indicates that oxytocin mitigates addictive behaviors in the context of various drugs of abuse. Given the high prevalence and severity of dyadic conflict among couples where one or both partner has substance abuse, and given the salience of dyadic conflict as a precipitant to substance use behaviors, it is critical to investigate the therapeutic effects of oxytocin among couples with substance use problems. Namely, oxytocin holds promise as a potential augmenter for conjoint couples therapies, particularly those targeting the reduction of substance use problems. However, only two studies have examined the effects of oxytocin on couples' communication behaviors. Those two studies found that couples' communication skills improved following the administration of oxytocin. It is important to extend this line of research to examine conflict resolution skills among couples with substance use problems. To date, no studies have examined the effects of oxytocin on subjective, physiological, or neuroendocrine reactivity to dyadic conflict. The present study aims to fill that gap in the literature.

Inclusion criteria

• 18-65 years of age
• both partners are willing to participate, and
• at least one partner has engaged in hazardous drinking (i.e. 4 or more drinks for women, 6 or more for men) or illicit drug use during the past 60 days

Exclusion criteria

• pregnancy for women
• current psychotic or bipolar disorders
• active suicidal or homicidal ideation and intent
• subjects who would present a serious suicide risk, such as those with severe depression, or who are likely to require hospitalization during the course of the study
• severe, unilateral intimate partner violence in the past year
• BMI greater than 39.