In marital couples in which the female was dissatisfied in the marriage, drank heavily, but had low alcohol dependence (DP couples), the women reported lower frequencies of partner verbal aggression and similar frequencies of physical aggression with maritally distressed nonproblem drinking women (DNP women). Female alcohol consumption was predicted by the partner's alcohol consumption and marital satisfaction, but was not predicted by frequencies of verbal and physical aggression. Consistent with Mudar et al. (2001), differences in alcohol consumption, rather than individual alcohol consumption, predicted female relationship satisfaction. This association held after accounting for overall rates of partner verbal aggression. This suggests that differences in substance abuse can be an important source of disagreement between partners that can erode satisfaction with the relationship. The sample included 27 DP women, 24 maritally distressed nonproblem drinking women (DNP women), and 24 women with neither problem. All participants completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, which is a 32-item measure of overall marital satisfaction. The frequency of self-aggression and partner aggression was assessed by using the Conflict Tactics Scale. The severity of alcohol problems and dependence was quantified by using the Canterbury Alcohol Screening Test and the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire. 3 tables and 34 references