Wheaton Divorce Attorney, Erin Birt, often works with families that are struggling with the effects of divorce and/or substance abuse. Parents contemplating a divorce often express concern over how the divorce will effect their children. This post will focus on Divorce: Children & Alcohol.

How a child's emotional development is effected by divorce is often studied and written about by authors and professionals. Often, a divorcing parent's concern is that the divorce may cause a child to experiment with alcohol.  Is this a valid concern?  Is there a correlation between recent parental divorce and alcohol consumption by children?

According to a study by William Jeynes (2001), “Children whose parents had recently been divorced were more likely to drink alcohol in greater quantities more frequently and were more likely to be under the influence of alcohol while at school.”

A copy of the full study can be accessed here: “The effects of recent parental divorce on their children's consumption of alcohol”.

Not all children will turn to alcohol to cope with divorce.  However, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of substance abuse so that a parent can identify when to intervene and help that child in a supportive manner.  Please review this article posted on the Childhelp Website that provides important information about the signs and symptoms of alcohol/drug abuse.

For more information or to schedule an alcohol/drug assessment, please contact The Birt Group, Inc. at 630-891-2478.  The Birt Group, Inc. is licensed by The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

For legal assistance with a family matter & to learn about your options, please contact Wheaton Divorce Attorney, Erin Birt, at 630-891-2478.  The Law Firm of Erin Birt serves clients in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Warrenville, Winfield, Carol Stream, Bloomingdale, Lombard, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, and Oak Brook as well as other cities located in DuPage County. We also have experience serving clients in Cook County, Will County, and Kane County. We can help you navigate Divorce: Children & Alcohol.

Schedule a Consultation with Attorney Erin Birt