Does Alcohol Detox Affect Custody?

Robert Gerchalk smiling

Robert Gerchalk

Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.

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Alcohol Addiction

The impact of addiction on a person’s life is widely known to be catastrophic. But, what many don’t comprehend is its influence on custody. If you are grappling with alcohol dependence, you may ponder on whether going through alcohol detox affects custody.

The answer to that question is nuanced. In specific circumstances, detoxing from alcohol can enhance your custody arrangement. For instance, if you successfully complete a detox program, it demonstrates to the court that you are committed to getting clean and transforming your life for the better. Furthermore, completing a detox program can open the doors for you to participate in other rehabilitation programs that can bolster your sobriety and increase the chances of retaining custody of your kids.

However, it is crucial to remember that detoxification is not typically enough to modify your custody arrangement. Courts typically want to see proof of long-term sobriety before they agree to alter the custody arrangement. Furthermore, if there is a history of relapse post-detox, the court may be reluctant to grant you custody of your children.

If you are grappling with alcoholism, it is imperative to seek assistance as soon as possible. Alcoholism is a medical condition that necessitates treatment, and the earlier you receive treatment, the higher your chances of retaining custody of your kids. There are numerous treatment options available, so there’s no justification for not seeking help. If you are unsure where to begin, your physician can direct you to a suitable treatment program.