When a couple has a partner who struggles with alcohol use, many spouses tend to attack the struggling partner. When the struggling spouse feels attacked, the tendency is then to defend oneself or minimize the problem. 

However, couples counseling is designed to talk about the drinking problem, as well as other issues in a more productive way.  The spouse talks about the impact of drinking on their relationship and possibly the family. If the spouse can talk about the ramifications instead of attacking, there’s more motivation for the struggling spouse to absorb the feedback.