Alcohol consumption is a major problem in the United States. Every year, it is responsible for the death of about 95,000 people. It is also a major factor in many other health problems, including liver disease, cancer, and heart disease.
- A 2020 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found that two-thirds (66.3%) of American adults consumed alcohol in the past year, with 5.1% of them admitting to engaging in regular heavy drinking.
- This widespread alcohol consumption contributes to a range of serious health issues, including liver disease, addiction, and accidents.
To address this problem, we need to promote more responsible drinking habits among American adults, encourage treatment for those struggling with addiction, and invest in research and prevention programs that can help reduce the harmful effects of alcohol abuse
The likelihood of divorce for couples increases when one party struggles with alcohol.
This condition can have a devastating impact on relationships, leading to destructive behavior and increasing the risk of domestic violence and divorce. According to research, more than 7.5 million children in the United States live with a parent who suffers from an alcohol abuse disorder. Throughout the nine-year study, nearly 50 percent of couples where only one partner drank more heavily wound up divorcing, while the divorce rates for other couples was only 30 percent.
How are children protected during a divorce?
When parents get divorced, the Court always tries to maintain a relationship between the parents and the child(ren). However, if one parent’s alcohol use impairs their ability to care for a child physically and/or emotionally during or after a divorce, the Court will intervene. This can include imposing restrictions on custody and visitation.
Interventions can include:
- Requiring a parent to attend Alcoholics Anonymous or another treatment program.
- Requiring a parent to engage in and regularly attend therapy to work on addiction issues.
- Suspending all parenting time for a period while a parent obtains treatment for alcohol addiction.
- Requiring that parenting time be supervised by an approved family member or friend, or that parenting time takes place at a supervised visitation center with a professional supervisor.
- Requiring a parent to be sober to spend time with their children. Which is observed through random urine testing or the use of an alcohol monitoring device (i.e., a pocket breathalyzer that reports results – and missed tests – in real-time to attorneys and the other parent)
Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in the United States, with millions of people affected. The negative consequences of alcohol abuse can be far-reaching, impacting not only the individual but also their loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to those struggling with addiction, and treatment can make a world of difference. To learn more about how you can help someone or yourself when struggling with alcohol abuse visit our resources and recovery page.