023: Addiction Expert Insights: Handling Substance Misuse in Family Law

Substance misuse and abuse is a complex topic, especially in a divorce situation in which children are involved. Today’s guest helps to unravel complexities surrounding addiction issues to help families navigate these complex situations while keeping children’s well-being at the forefront.

 

On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista sits down with Lorraine Bockman, a licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselor who has worked in the mental health and addiction field for more than 30 years. Lorraine works in private practice in the Denver area, is recognized as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) with the National Association of Addiction Counselors (NAAC), and is part of the Association for Addiction Professionals. She has served as a program director, manager, staff developer, and clinician in public and private institutions and has specialized training as a telemental health therapist, interventionist, expert witness, and substance abuse professional.

 

Krista’s conversation with Lorraine covers several important topics related to substance misuse and addiction issues, including the differences between clinical and forensic substance evaluations. Lorraine explains how a Substance Use Evaluation (SUE) works, the disease elements behind substance use, and the cognitive distortions common in this arena of mental health.  Krista and Lorraine also explore the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on children, including the effects of divorce but also the effects of addiction, both of which deeply impact kids’ futures. They highlight, though, that there is a lot of reason for hope through stories of people who have chosen to heal and change, acknowledging that while some individuals can overcome these challenges, not everyone does.

For an insightful take on the ripple effects substance use can have on families and children, don’t miss Lorraine Bockman’s expertise on this complicated topic.

 

In this episode, you will hear:

 

• Lorraine Bockman’s extensive background working with children and families, which ultimately led her to addiction work
• The difference between clinical and forensic evaluations
• When a Substance  Use Evaluation (SUE) is most useful
• The impact high-conflict relationships can have on substance use evaluations
• A consultation in a child custody case versus a complete evaluation
• Taking care not to put a parent in the role of “watchdog” over the other parent
• How Lorraine creates connections with her clients and her experiences helping clients before they hit “rock bottom”
• The behavior stages of change related recovery from addictions
• Lorraine’s use of the term “courage” related to substance abuse recovery and the biology underlying a propensity for addiction
• Cognitive distortions and their impact on recovery, such as black-and-white thinking
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including addiction and divorce, and how they impact attachment in children
• Measuring relapse
• The hope Lorraine has to help people get better

 

Resources from this Episode

 

• Comprehensive Addiction Solutions: addictionsolutionsllc.com

• 15 Cognitive Distortions and How to Challenge These Negative Thoughts: www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/cognitive-distortions

• The Stages of Change Model of Overcoming Addiction: www.verywellmind.com/the-stages-of-change-model-of-overcoming-addiction-21961

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24875-adverse-childhood-experiences-ace
• www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com

All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 

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