Addictions Will Increase The Divorce Rate And

The Number Of Divorces In America

        Statistics completed from a study at the University Of California and Chapman University and from other studies indicate that couples who struggle with alcohol or drug use are more likely to divorce than couples who do not struggle with alcohol or substance abuse.

While the amount of marriages taking place is about the same among non-users and among drug and alcohol users, the divorce rate, on the other hand is four times as high among drug and alcohol users.

This alarming statistic points out the need for attorneys, mental health professionals and health professionals who are skilled in treating these kinds of addictions.

                  According to the National Survey of Drug Use And Health,

  • More than twenty-four million Americans are addicted to drugs and alcohol
  • 41 percent of first marriages end in divorce.
  • 60 percent of second marriages end in divorce.
  • 73 percent of third marriages end in divorce.
  • In America, there occurs one divorce approximately every 36 seconds. That’s nearly 2,400 divorces per day, 16,800 divorces per week and 876,000 divorces every single year.
  • The average length of a marriage that ends in divorce is about eight years long.

 

Statistics On Addiction

   According to a study published by The Addiction Center:

   Addiction is more common than many realize. There were approximately 20.6 million people in the United States over the age of 12 with an addiction in 2011.

Although most people don’t get the treatment they need, over 3 million people in 2011 received treatment for their addiction.

  • Over 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have an addiction (excluding tobacco).
  • 100 people die every day from drug overdoses. This rate has tripled in the past 20 years.
  • Over 5 million emergency room visits in 2011 were drug related.
  • 2.6 million people with addictions have a dependence on both alcohol and illicit drugs.
  • 9.4 million people in 2011 reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs.
  • 6.8 million people with an addiction have a mental illness.
  • Rates of illicit drug use is highest among those aged 18 to 25.
  • Over 90% of those with an addiction began drinking, smoking or using illicit drugs before the age of 18.

Clinicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, marriage counselors, family therapists and matrimonial attorneys know all too well how frequently addictions contribute to marital discord and to the dissolution of marriages.

Spouses addicted to alcohol, opioids, gambling, pornography, marihuana, cocaine, shopping and social media can be very difficult to live with in a healthy relationship.

Moreover, some husbands and wives are addicted to more than one of the aforementioned behaviors.

In addition, some addicts have a duel diagnosis like depression, narcissistic personality disorders and bipolar disorder. Therapists, divorce attorneys who assist these kinds of patients and spouses who are married to a person with a duel diagnosis know how challenging these relationships can be.

Furthermore lying, physical abuse and emotional abuse often occur when a married person has an addictive disorder.

Some therapists are reporting an increase in the amount of addictions they see in their practices. And the opioid addiction crisis, the methadone addiction problem will undoubtedly contribute to an increase the divorce rate and a further breakdown of the family unit in the United States .

Increases In The Presence Of Addictions In A Clinical Setting

   In my own practice, I believe that approximately thirty to forty percent of the couples I treat are struggling with an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, media, pornography, sex or video games.

As noted earlier, some of these patients present with more than one addiction.

I recently treated a man who was addicted to cocaine and pornography.

I also counseled a woman who was addicted to alcohol and to gambling.

People who are considering divorce may find it useful to seek out attorneys and therapists with experience in helping addicted people and their family members.

Jay P. Granat, Ph.D. is a Psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist and the Founder of www.HighNetWorthDivorces.com. Attorneys who want to join this directory and referral can reach him at Dr.JayGranat@HighNetWorthDivorces.com. Or, call him at 201 647-9191.

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