“Can couples therapy make things worse?”

This is a complex issue. Your couples therapist needs to know about this addiction, so that he/she can make best clinical decisions about how to proceed. If you feel things are worse as a result of the therapy, please be sure to let the therapist know so that she/he can change the therapy or refer you to another therapist or take steps to directly address the addiction.

It depends on what you mean by worse. Yes, couples therapy can lead to separation and divorce, or worse, domestic abuse if that is what is happening already. So, couples' therapists are to be very professional, careful, and gentle in how to approach couples' issues. Think of a doctor who put an enormous flashlight to care for a neglected old wound. People at times do not like to have that old stuff come to light. The best part is that you can have clarity on what type of person you are having a relationship with and if that's what you want to continue, providing the person does not want to better themselves or the relationship.
Be well.

When considering doing therapy you need to be aware inadequately trained clinicians certainly can make the process of getting help and guidance a negative experience for the individual and or couple. This does not suggest however the couple's problems get worse, it simply means that the relationship and rapport aspects of therapy are very important to client perception of good therapy outcomes.

It helps to get some level of buy in or initial investment from each person in the couple relationship in order to get commitments for change.

To be honest? I have to say yes, it is possible that couples therapy could possibly add additional stress to your relationship. However, a good marriage counselor with an addiction specialist could more likely help things improve. Just research the provider carefully.

He needs to get into a recovery program first.

Occasionally, attending couple's therapy can help a difficult situation with a drug addicted spouse. Usually that doesn't work, but there IS an effective approach. Go to individual psychotherapy yourself. Within a few weeks or months, you should be a lot clearer on how to proceed. That said, if your husband DOES agree to go to therapy of his own accord (i.e., not because you're insisting or threatening), it may be worth a try. One warning: the quality and competence of therapist varies widely. Please have an initial session with at least two, preferably three therapists and pick the one who seems the most competent, supportive, and aware. If a therapist demeans you or confronts you harshly, run for the door! And yes, if you work with an incompetent therapist, it can make things worse.

See this link..
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anger-in-the-age-entitlement/201909/emotional-abuse-how-your-couples-counseling-made-it-worse
or
https://couplescounselingofdenver.com/why-does-marriage-therapy-make-us-feel-worse-about-our-relationship/
or
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/5-warning-signs-therapy-may-be-hazardous-to-your-marriage-0111174