Table 3.

Key Themes and Example Quotations from Participants Interviews

Key Theme	Example Quotations
Reasons for Participating
Needed more tools and wanted to get connected with help	“It’s been a real issue for me and I just wanted to do what I could do to get him to stop, but you know, but obviously I can’t do everything. But what I can do I’d like to.”
Would not go to existing in-person services because of stigma and confidentiality concerns	“You were willing to give me resources without me seeking help that might potentially get him in trouble in any way.”
Financial incentives	“The financial incentive made it so that I did it right then instead of, oh, I’ll do it when I get around to it later.”
Inability to connect with non-military providers and groups	“The good intention is there, I mean, yes you can be a counselor but you have to be specialized with the veterans to understand, because it’s a complete different language.” “No one at Al-Anon has ever dealt with PTSD or been in the military. They didn’t know how to connect.”
Wanted to help others	“If there’s help out there, how can I contribute and help others? I can share my experience. I was mostly motivated to help others.”
Difficulty finding good care	“I feel like it would be a lot more accessible to people especially military family members who have moved to a new location and don’t know how to find a counselor.”
Feasibility of the Online Approach
Online access made it very convenient	“[It] was really convenient. I could do it while the kids were at school, while my husband was away. If I chose to do it while they were with me I couldn’t focus…and trying to work appointments in is very, very hard especially when I have so many appointments for my kids.”
Self-paced and easy to complete	“I really loved the fact that you could just stop when you’ve had enough and you needed to take a break…that made it really convenient.” “[It took me] about 45 minutes [per session]. It depended what I had going on.”
Logistical issues	“If you guys could do text messaging, that would be even better. One would be like, ‘Hey, just a reminder, your session is available today.”
Acceptability of the Program
Interactive nature was very helpful for engagement (e.g., exercises and videos)	“I liked that it was interactive. So I had options to click what related to me and what didn’t. I mean, it felt like I was actually doing something. Instead of just watching something, it was something I was participating in. And it felt more tailored toward what I needed, instead, you know sometimes you just read things and walk away.”
Impact on Behavior on CP and Significant Other
Personal changes in communication with partner	“I think the communication skills is the one thing that I got from it. I have to say that it influenced my life because I’ve actually applied it with a husband a time or two, you know. ‘We’re not going to talk about this now. We’ll talk about this when you’re sober.’ Instead of just exploding.” “It’s already been helpful for talking to him. If I can remember them, you know that it will be helpful down the line. You know using the “I” statements and redirecting and just not playing into the behavior. I think all those things are extremely helpful and hopefully will make a difference.”
Personal changes in how they manage partner’s drinking using learned skills	“I feel like it’s helped give me a little bit more feeling of control not over what he does, but how I’m addressing it. How that makes me feel. Making sure my opinion is heard. Not that I’m going to change him, but making sure I’ve done what I can and letting the rest go.” “All of it was very helpful. I could tell a difference even after the first two weeks. It helped with communication. You gave me tools to communicate better – that helped the most…He got upset at work and wanted to go to liquor store to get a drink. I asked him to wait 30 minutes and then he didn’t even want to go anymore. Before we would have gotten into a fight – I would have blamed him or said you’re doing something wrong. This time I said it’s up to you but I was nice about it and asked him to just wait a bit.”
Partner changes in drinking	“[My husband] has gotten a hold of his counselors and is working with them. He was not [seeing them before]. He saw that I was reaching out for help and he thought, ‘Oh, maybe I better do something.”
Additional Comments
Recommending the program to others	“I would absolutely recommend this program to a friend. It was only 4 sessions and I can see a huge difference in our relationship.”
Sharing content with partner/spouse	“I think maybe showing him the pathway and I think maybe asking him more of his insight why he drinks. I can’t read his mind, so maybe getting his feedback on that. It might help prevent him from starting drinking again.” “My husband would be pretty ticked if I let him know about this. He doesn’t think he has a problem. He doesn’t think it would be held completely confidential. He works in a high profile position and has security clearances.”
Unhelpful aspects of the WBI
	“Having the audio with the video was a problem because I didn’t want him to hear from the other room. So, more text options as well as the video would be helpful.” “I kept looking at it and feeling like they were at the extreme of everything. I know my husband has a problem and I know we need help, and it would have felt nice to see various levels and been able to relate beyond the extreme.” “It would be helpful to have a network of people that can connect and share stories. It’s helpful to see that others are in the same situation and knowing, you know, this can be ok…but also knowing that other people are also taking the program.”