Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence in Child Custody Case (W9) CD

Workshop

A significant number of cases with substance abuse as an issue also involve some component of family violence either presently or in the family of origin of the parents. This becomes particularly complicated when these issues are present in a child custody case. The workshop will begin with a discussion of the types of trauma, signs and symptoms, as well as prevalence rates of trauma and PTSD within substance abusing patient populations will be identified. This will be followed by a discussion of the phases of treatment following disclosure of a trauma history, various interventions from theoretical frames and clinical considerations in working with substance abusing patients with childhood and/or adult trauma as it relates to recovery status and potential impact on stability of recovery. Several treatment approaches will be discussed including the use of self-help groups, cognitive behavioral approaches to treatment and recovery, the use of Motivational Interviewing, and family therapy. Ultimately the question of What to do when there are both? will be answered.