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In 2021-22, there were about 300,000 adults in treatment for a drug or alcohol use disorder in the UK. This does not include individuals who were suffering in silence. There are many interdependencies between divorce and substance addiction. There is no doubt that addiction affects marriage: it creates an imbalance of responsibilities, it breaks trust and there is, of course, a financial cost to addiction which can create stress in a couple. Even when addiction wasn’t an issue during the marriage, research shows that people who are recently divorced also have a higher risk of developing an addiction. Even if the divorce isn’t particularly complicated, marriage breakdown is a traumatic event for most people, and it is often a source of high stress, loneliness, and loss of sense of self. Unfortunately, these are all triggers for addiction.
For this episode, I wanted us to spend some time discussing the impact of addiction on divorce. I have invited to brilliant guests to answer my questions on this topic. First, Melissa Lesson is a barrister and partner in the London Family department at Mills and Reeve. She is a dual French and English national, and also speaks Italian. Her client base is very international, with a particular francophone angle and has extensive experience supporting families with addiction challenges through divorce. My second guest is Nathan Marsh. Nathan is an international Life Coach & Addiction Specialist. He started his career as a Life Coach after a near death experience. He is the product of nearly 20 years in active addiction from which he’s gained irreplaceable life experience. Nathan helps his clients achieve personal metamorphosis, psychological recovery and inspirational new beginnings.