An Illinois Collaborative Divorce can be utilized to help families in many ways.  It can be an opportunity to help families coping with life events that are not often handled in the best manner by  a court of law. This post will focus on Illinois Collaborative Divorce & Substance Abuse Counselor and how it can apply to your family.

One example is substance abuse.  For some, learning how to cope with life transitions such as separation or divorce without alcohol or drugs can be difficult.  An Illinois Collaborative Divorce can provide an individual and the family with the time and resources to address the substance abuse problem.

Studies show that substance abuse or dependency issues typically emerge in early adulthood, around the same time young adults contemplate marriage. Furthermore, researchers have found that using substances to intoxication causes an interruption in the development of the marital relationship and interferes with marital responsibilities. Therefore, substance abuse can affect any marriage at any stage.

In response to the correlation between substance abuse and divorce, divorce professionals should receive training on screening for substance abuse, the symptoms of substance abuse and dependency, substance abuse and the effects on the family, and divorce options that minimize conflict and costs such as an Illinois Collaborative Divorce.

An Illinois Collaborative Divorce is a proactive alternative dispute resolution method where the couple has the option to work with neutral team members, such as Divorce Coaches & Financial Professionals, that are trained to reduce time, costs, and the emotional scars of a divorce.  To help a family suffering from the effects of substance abuse,a  substance abuse counselor also be integrated into the neutral divorce team. The substance abuse counselor can help the individual and the family learn appropriate coping skills, develop a recovery plan, and create a relapse prevention plan – all of which can be referred to in the Illinois Collaborative Divorce parenting plan.

It can be confusing to determine whether a professional has the credentials to offer substance abuse or substance dependency services. One of the best places to look for  Substance Abuse Counselors and treatment facilities in your area is the SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Directory.

For additional information about substance abuse and how to integrate a Substance Abuse Counselor into an Illinois Collaborative Divorce Team, please feel free to contact Erin Birt, an Illinois Collaborative Divorce Attorney and Illinois Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, directly at (630) 891-2478 or via the firm's contact page.

Schedule a Consultation with Attorney Erin Birt