Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce.

By Children First Family LawSociety & Culture Parenting Kids & Family

Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce. episodes

October 26105: Will Divorce Ruin My Kids? 10 Co-Parenting Strategies to Protect Your Child’s Emotional Health
In this episode, Krista speaks directly to parents who are lying awake at night asking the same question: Is this going to ruin my kids? Drawing from decades of experience as an attorney, mediator, parenting coordinator, and child advocate, Krista unpacks a hard truth—divorce itself does not automatically damage children, but chronic conflict and poor co-parenting absolutely can. She walks through ten practical, immediately usable strategies to lower tension and protect a child’s emotional safety.
Krista shares real stories from her work with families, highlighting how tone, structure, exchanges, and emotional regulation shape a child’s long-term wellbeing.
Divorce handled with maturity and intention can still raise secure, emotionally healthy children—and that choice starts with the adults.
In this episode, you will hear:
Why divorce itself does not automatically damage children but chronic conflict does
Ten practical strategies to reduce co parenting tension and protect emotional safety
Keeping children out of the middle and avoiding loyalty binds
Managing tone, messaging, and post visit interrogations
Creating structure and predictable routines to lower anxiety
Handling exchanges calmly to reduce stress and emotional fallout
Resources from this Episode
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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
50 min
October 19104: Your Custody Case Starts Before Court: How What You Say, Do & Post Can Shape the Outcome, with Virginia Family Law Attorney Whitney Pennington
A custody case can begin long before filing: an angry message, social post, or tense exchange may shape how a judge sees a parent. Krista talks with Virginia family law attorney Whitney Pennington about choices that shape a family’s record.
Pennington urges parents to pause before replying, keep communication respectful, avoid involving children, and answer hostile messages without escalating. Sarcasm, profanity, threats, repeated texts, and labels such as “narcissist” can damage credibility. When past conduct is raised, she says, acknowledge it honestly, explain what you learned, and show steps taken to change.
The conversation also covers choosing mediation where possible, documenting incidents and parenting time, and keeping records of child support payments and missed amounts. Pennington stresses that local laws differ, including rules for ending support obligations.
Listeners will hear how calmer communication, accountability, and careful recordkeeping can protect children, reduce conflict, and help parents prepare for court.
In this episode, you will hear:
How pre-court conduct can shape a custody case
Keeping texts, emails, and social media posts calm
Taking responsibility for past mistakes and showing change
Avoiding conflict and keeping children out of adult disputes
Using mediation and documenting parenting time
Keeping clear records of child support payments and missed amounts
Resources from this Episode
https://natlawreview.com/commentary-and-opinions/why-family-law-cases-fail-they-even-reach-court?utm_source=chatgpt.com
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
Get Your Free Guide - Discover How Colorado Families Are Saving Thousands in Legal Fees While Protecting Their Children's Emotional Well-Being During Divorce: https://go.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com/divorce-mediation
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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
1 hr 2 min
October 12103: Social Media and Your Custody Case
One late-night post can follow a parent into court months later. In this episode, Krista explains how posts, stories, comments, photos, location data, and dating profiles may become evidence in Colorado custody disputes. She explains evidence rules and how posts can be used against their authors.
Nash explains that private accounts are not legally privileged and warns against deleting potential evidence or accessing an ex-partner’s accounts. Listeners will learn to pause before posting, preserve records, and keep adult conflict away from children. She leaves listeners with two questions: Would I want this read in court? Is it good for my child?
In this episode, you will hear:
Authentication, hearsay, and relevance rules
Posts about co-parents, court proceedings, and parenting
Privacy settings and preserving potential evidence
Children’s online privacy and location tracking
Dating profiles and introducing new partners
Social media activity and protection orders
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
Get Your Free Guide - Discover How Colorado Families Are Saving Thousands in Legal Fees While Protecting Their Children's Emotional Well-Being During Divorce: https://go.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com/divorce-mediation
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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
37 min
October 05102: How to Tell Kids about Divorce: with Parenting Expert Christina McGhee
In this episode, host Krista Nash sits down with parenting expert, author, and coach Christina McGhee to tackle one of the most difficult moments in divorce: telling your children. Christina, who has spent over two decades helping families navigate separation, shares compassionate, practical guidance for parents who want to put their children first during this life-altering conversation.
Together, Krista and Christina explore the emotional weight parents carry and the common mistakes that can undermine a child’s sense of security. Christina emphasizes the importance of clarity, preparation, and unified messaging, reminding parents that while the marriage may be ending, parenting is not. She introduces strategies such as framing divorce as a change rather than an ending, using age-appropriate language, and avoiding over-sharing or placing emotional burdens on children.
Listeners will also hear insights into how children of different ages process divorce, the dangers of using children as confidants, and the long-term impact of blurred boundaries. Christina offers practical tools for ensuring children feel a sense of belonging in both homes and encourages ongoing dialogue rather than a “one and done” conversation.
In this episode, you will hear:
Divorce doesn’t end parenting—it changes how you parent.
Always use clear, age-appropriate language, including the word “divorce.”
Never make your child a confidant or emotional caretaker.
Prepare and plan the conversation instead of “winging it.”
Make it an ongoing dialogue, not a one-time event.
Resources from this Episode
Christina McGhee, Divorce Parenting Expert, Trainer, Coach, Author, Education & Training Director: SPLIT Films – Divorce and Children, LLC
https://coparentingspecialist.com/
https://divorceandchildren.com/
Book: Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=parenting+apart+christina+mcghee&crid=3T5BH29G1YY0&sprefix=parenting+apart%2Caps%2C163&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_2_15
https://divorceandchildren.com/about-christina-mcghee/
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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
1 hr 1 min
September 28101: Introducing a New Partner To Your Children After Divorce
New romantic partners after divorce can feel like hope for parents and yet another upheaval for kids. We explore how children actually experience a parent's dating life, drawing on long-term research about stepfamilies, loyalty conflicts, and the impact of repeated relationship changes. Listeners learn why stable, slower-paced introductions matter, how age shapes a child's reaction, and why one-on-one time with each parent remains essential.
Krista lays out a clear ladder-style framework for introducing a partner, from first conversations with your co-parent and kids, to brief neutral meetings, to carefully timed overnights and cohabitation. We also look at Colorado law on parenting plans, morality clauses, and what courts really require before limiting parenting time because of a new partner.
Throughout, Krista offers guidance for both the dating parent and the non-dating parent so families can reduce conflict, protect children, and build steadier blended family relationships. Listeners leave with clear, concrete steps.
In this episode, you will hear:
How kids actually experience a parent’s new romantic partner as another big change
Research on stepfamilies, loyalty binds, and the impact of repeated partner turnover
Age-specific guidance for toddlers, school-age kids, and teens on introductions
Step-by-step “ladder” for timing, first meetings, overnights, and moving in together
The healthy role of a new partner connection before correction and staying out of discipline
Colorado law on parenting plans, morality clauses, and when a new partner becomes a legal issue
Resources from this Episode
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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
55 min
September 21100: Parallel Parenting — Two Train Tracks, One Child
Divorce may end a marriage, but it does not end the responsibility to raise a child together. We explore what parallel parenting really means when cooperative co-parenting feels impossible. Krista reframes parallel parenting as a way to reduce unnecessary conflict while still sharing essential information and supporting one child moving between two homes.
We look at how chronic conflict harms kids, what children actually notice and internalize, and the subtle ways loyalty binds show up. Krista walks through strategies for calmer, businesslike communication, using parenting apps, structuring exchanges to protect children from tension, and drafting specific, child-centered parenting plans.
We also touch on when added support can help, and how safety concerns and domestic violence change the analysis.
In this episode, you will hear:
What parallel parenting is and what it is not
The “two train tracks, one train” analogy for co-parenting after divorce
How chronic conflict and loyalty binds impact children
Strategies for low-drama, businesslike communication between parents
Using parenting apps, shared calendars, and detailed parenting plans
Structuring exchanges and events to reduce stress on kids
When parenting coordinators, decision makers, or safety-focused plans are needed
Resources from this Episode
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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
49 min
September 14099: The Surprisingly Simple Tool That Helps Kids Through Divorce with Dr. Karey O’Hara
Krista Nash welcomes back Dr. Karey O'Hara for this episode, following up on research first introduced on an earlier visit to the podcast. Parents going through separation or divorce are often told that conflict is bad for their kids, but Karey, a psychologist and researcher at Arizona State University, explains why that message misses the point.
Karey and her team spent years studying children ages nine to twelve living through high conflict divorce, testing which coping strategies actually help and whether combining several works better than relying on one alone. The results surprised even the research team. One simple strategy, relaxation, outperformed the rest. Karey walks through what happens in a child's body during parental conflict, what parents should avoid doing in those moments, and how a free program from her lab lets families put the findings into practice right away.
It's a hopeful, practical conversation for any parent trying to protect their kids amid conflict they can't control.
In this episode, you will hear:
Why the "conflict is bad for kids" message actually sets parents up to fail
What Dr. Karey O'Hara's research found about kids coping with high conflict divorce
The one strategy that outperformed every other coping tool tested
What actually happens in a child's brain and body during parental conflict
Simple moves parents can make in the moment to help kids reset
How destructive conflict differs from conflict kids can learn from
A free program families can start using today, straight from the research
Resources from this Episode
Sign up to take/use the resources discussed on the podcast:
www.asuyfacslab.org/brainteam
https://search.asu.edu/profile/3192762
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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
59 min
September 07098: When You’re Raising Someone Else’s Child: Guardianship, Custody & Getting Legal Authority
Krista Nash sits down with Colorado attorney Lisa Shellenberger, managing partner at Setter Roche Smith & Shellenberger, to talk through a corner of family law most parents never see coming until they're standing in it. When a parent dies, disappears into addiction, or simply can't provide safe care, the person left holding things together is rarely equipped for what comes next.
Krista and Lisa unpack the real difference between guardianship and custody, why probate court can move faster than domestic court, and what happens when a parent gets back on their feet and wants their child returned. They also cover the constitutional rights every parent holds and how families can put protections in place before a crisis forces their hand.
It's a conversation built for anyone quietly raising a child who isn't legally theirs yet.
In this episode, you will hear:
Why guardianship and custody solve two completely different legal problems for kids
The 182 day rule that determines who has standing to file for custody as a non-parent
How probate court can move faster than family court in a genuine crisis
What it actually takes to prove a parent is unable or unwilling to safely parent
The constitutional rights every parent holds, even in a guardianship case
What happens to a guardian's authority the moment a parent gets better
Practical steps families can take now, before a crisis forces their hand
Resources from this Episode
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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
1 hr 20 min
August 31097: Alcohol, Drugs & Other Addictions in Child Custody: The Traditional Approach (Part 2)
Maintaining a child’s attachment to a parent with substance abuse issues can be a complex path to navigate. With advice from experts and keeping the child’s best interests first and foremost, parents and courts can successfully co-parent and maintain a healthy parent-child relationship.
This episode of Children First Family Law is part two of Krista’s two-part series on navigating substance misuse issues alongside co-parenting in a divorce situation. While citing the research and expertise of Dr. Stephanie Tabashnecke, Krista highlights the vulnerability of children in a family law case when a parent is struggling with substance abuse. She shares the underlying causes of this disorder and why understanding it can help both parents cope while keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront of their co-parenting conversations. You’ll hear why relapse is an expected part of struggling with this disorder, the top ten myths surrounding substance abuse, and how disrupting a child’s attachment to a caregiver can impact their lifelong health. Krista explains how to set up a treatment plan that continues communication with the child, the importance of using a trauma-informed approach, and her top ten tips for judges and attorneys handling cases involving parents with substance abuse issues.
Understanding the science at play behind a substance abuse disorder can help guide parents to a solution that benefits parents and child and ensures the child’s needs are met throughout the process. Don’t miss this deep dive into the science and expertise to guide you through the complexities of a substance abuse disorder.
In this episode, you will hear:
Leading current thoughts on the nuances of dealing with sobriety issues of parents in family law cases, considering strongly safety of children while balancing attachment needs of children
Input from leading experts such as Dr. Stephanie Tabashneck, leading Harvard psychologist and lawyer, who provides background insight to help family court professionals and parents navigate this challenging area
The vulnerability of children in a substance abuse situation and the lines of protection the court and attorneys may invoke
Understanding the underlying factors that can trigger a substance abuse disorder and the consensus in the medical and scientific communities to treat them as chronic conditions
Relapse is part of a substance abuse disorder, and improper treatment, stress, and unmanaged co-occurring conditions can increase relapse risk
Finding strategies to meet the attachment needs of children and avoiding overreaction to relapse
The 10 myths surrounding substance abuse and the factors that increase a predisposition to addiction
Seeking a dopamine “hit” and the impact substances can have on the dopamine baseline
Role of genetics in substance abuse
Attachment in children and the impact messaging can have on that attachment, especially as it relates to substance abuse
Creating treatment plans that work for families logistically and financially and the components of a good treatment plan
The Optimal Parenting Time Decision Tree criteria used by professionals to evaluate optimal parenting time
Assessments, testing for alcohol and drug use, and questions to consider
Having a plan in place in the event of a relapse with specificity and creating a parent plan for this scenario
The impact on child attachment when completely removing a caregiver from their lives and mitigating this issue
Using a trauma-informed approach for the parent experiencing substance abuse
The top 10 tips for judges and attorneys in cases involving parents with substance abuse
Resources from this Episode
Children First Family Law: www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
American Society of Addiction Medicine: www.asam.org
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University: www.developingchild.harvard.edu
Guidelines for Court Practices for Supervised Visitation:
www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/11/29/supervised-visitation-guidelinesfinal%20%281%29.pdf
National Association for Children of Addiction: www.nacoa.org
National Institute on Drug Abuse: www.drugabuse.gov
National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
Ruth Potee, M.D.: www.ruthpotee.com
Smart Recovery: www.smartrecovery.org
Standards for Supervised Visitation Practice: www.svnworldwide.org/attachments/standards.pdf
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: www.samhsa.gov
Substance use and parenting: Best practices for family court practitioners: www.afccnet.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=-RkXrNzIkr8%3d&portalid=0
Tabashneck, S., Drozd, L. & Soilson, J. (in press), Substance Use Disorders: A Primer for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners, book chapter: The Family Dispute Resolution Handbook. (editors: P. Salem, & K. Brown-Olson) https://global.oup.com/academic/product/family-dispute-resolution-9780197545904?cc=us&lang=en&
This Naked Mind: thisnakedmind.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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
1 hr 18 min
August 24096: Alcohol, Drugs & Other Addictions in Child Custody: The Traditional Approach (Part 1)
Substance abuse is often used as a weapon in family court, even when there isn’t a significant problem. Courts have several ways of handling this issue, and each method can have long-term implications.
In this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista explores how family courts determine whether a parent is safe with a child. She outlines her experiences with families dealing with these scenarios, implementing advice and expertise from psychologist and attorney Dr. Stephanie Tabashneck. Two previous podcast episodes, with guests Cheryl and Mike, explore both parenting sides of this situation.
Krista offers an outline of the tools the court can use to evaluate a substance abuse issue and any additional risk factors. You’ll also hear the 10 factors the DSM-5 defines substance abuse. Together, these tools help attorneys and courts form parenting time recommendations.
Substance abuse in a divorce scenario can be complicated. This episode is a guide for navigating substance abuse while keeping children’s best interests at the forefront.
In this episode, you will hear:
Substance abuse—primarily alcohol—is a chronic issue in family court, requiring assessments of handling approaches, their implications, and parental safety.
Krista’s experiences working with families in these situations and the expert advice she receives from attorney and psychologist Dr. Stephanie Tabashneck
The tools used by courts when a child’s safety is an immediate concern
Why courts are sometimes hesitant to restrict legal substance use entirely
Direct testing methods like Soberlink or BACtrack, urine analysis, hair follicle, and nail testing
Substance Use Evaluation (SUE) involves an in-depth assessment conducted by a highly qualified professional with a strong background in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.
Psychological testing in conjunction with a Substance Use Evaluation
A sample of questions you can expect from a Substance Use Evaluator (SUE) and the background information included
Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) evaluations and its insight into a person’s potential proclivity for substance abuse
DSM-5’s definition of substance abuse and substance abuse disorders and the required criteria
The 10 factors used to diagnose a substance abuse disorder according to the DSM-5
Dimensions to evaluate for level of care decisions and what to look for in the evaluator’s report
Recommendations following a Substance Use Evaluation (SUE) based on the results and when these evaluations are needed
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
Soberlink Remote Alcohol Monitoring | Improving Lives
BACtrack | The Leader in Breathalyzers
Home www.NAADAC.org
Adult SASSI-4 | The SASSI Institute
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)
5280 Drug Testing - 5280 Drug Testing, Greenwood Village, CO
Drug Testing - Precise Monitoring
ASAM - American Society of Addiction Medicine
SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM5).
American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines a Substance Use Disorder based on using the criteria below. If, in the previous 12 months, an individual was identified as meeting 2-3 of the criteria they would have a mild disorder; meeting 4-5 criteria would equal a moderate disorder; and meeting 6 or more criteria would indicate a severe disorder. If the individual had previously met the criteria for a Substance Use Disorder, and none of the criteria have been met in the last three months, but less than 12 months, the diagnosis would be considered “In Early Remission.” If the individual had previously met the criteria for a Substance Use Disorder, and none of the criteria have been met in the previous 12 months, the diagnosis would be considered “In Sustained Remission."
Substance is often taken in larger amounts over longer time period than was intended
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
Great deal of time spent in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from its effects
Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the substance
Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
Continued use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance use
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced
Recurrent use in physically hazardous situations
Continued use despite knowledge of having a persistent recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by substance use
Tolerance as defined by:
A need for markedly increased amounts to achieve intoxication or desired effect
A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of substance
Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
The substance, or a closely related substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
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.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
1 hr 8 min

About Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce.

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Welcome to *Children First Family Law*, a podcast dedicated to transforming the way families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce. In an industry too often focused on litigation, financial battles, and a war-like approach, we advocate for a radical shift in priorities—putting the well-being of children at the forefront.

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