Alcohol/drug abuse issues in child custody evaluations

Abstract

Concerns about the alcohol or drug use of a parent are a frequent issue in child custody evaluations. Such concerns often require an assessment by an experienced alcohol/drug counselor. Given the conflictual nature of the cases that present for custody evaluations, it is necessary that the assessment process separate false accusations from patterns of use or misuse and/or addiction. The most notable effect of alcohol/drug abuse on parenting is the consequences of neglect on the parent-child bond. Parents who are preoccupied with their use/abuse of alcohol or other drugs are often neglectful towards their children.