Cottrill Law

The mental health and addiction struggle is real, and a growing threat during these times. Take care, colleagues, friends, and clients.

Restrict human contact. Flatten the curve. Whatever your opinion is regarding the economic shutdown, there can’t be any true debate about the value and reasonableness of taking precautions like donning a mask or social distancing. For many, these are minor inconveniences designed to protect our community, particularly our vulnerable populations.

But for some, particularly those in recovery, social distancing is more than a minor inconvenience. It can be deadly. Why? Because social distancing interferes with so many of the structures in place that are designed to help those suffering from the disease of addiction. And while social distancing helps to stop the spread of the coronavirus, another vulnerable population is cut off from the crucial in person social support they need.

We know the triggers and warn against them - HALT. Don’t get hungry, angry, lonely or tired. Yet loneliness abounds during this unprecedented time. Social distancing limits folks in recovery from the variety and abundance of in-person meetings that were previously and readily available. That further limits the critical peer support gained from these connections. And while there are certainly a number of virtual resources that have cropped up during this time, the lack of human contact and face-to-face interaction is certainly a challenge. This challenge is worse for people fighting addiction, particularly those who also suffer from depression.

Can’t relate? Ask yourself whether you’ve increased your alcohol or ni****ne or food consumption during this time of isolation and stress? Have you kept completely to your healthy routine? Most of us will admit we’ve struggled. Many have made poor choices to deal with the stress of isolation. For those in recovery, a poor choice can be a last choice. Because people in recovery are particularly at risk of relapse and overdose.

So what can we do? The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) has a webpage that discusses this concern and provides contact information for their Disaster Distress Helpline. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html)

The CDC also provides tips for those struggling, such as: taking breaks from watching, reading or listening to the news (including social media!), taking care of your body through stretching and healthy eating and regular exercise, taking time to unwind and get outdoors and to connect in whatever way you can with others, whether it’s a socially distanced walk or by virtual means.

The National Institute of Mental Health also addressed this concern and gave some excellent resources for those who are struggling (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/messages/2020/coping-with-coronavirus-managing-stress-fear-and-anxiety.shtml). Most importantly, they note that social distancing does not have to be social isolation.

Finally, SAMHSA has a comprehensive list of virtual recovery resources (https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/virtual-recovery-resources.pdf). Check it out for assistance during this tough time.

If you’re supporting someone in recovery, the NADCP National Association of Drug Court Professionals has information for treatment courts and professionals to use during this tough time (https://www.nadcp.org/covid-19-resources/).

Most importantly, check on your people. Reach out. We need each other - now more than ever. Turning Point Tank is available for virtual visits for those struggling with addiction. Send him a message!

RIP Tracey. I will add you to the list of my brave drug court folks whose light was extinguished too early. It never gets easier. Memory eternal. ❤️

Candice 6/25/2016
CJ 4/17/2017
Ricky 9/11/2017
Zachary 10/17/2017
Nick 11/18/2018
Jimmy 1/3/2020
Tracey 5/6/2020

What to Expect for Family Court Hearings Attorneys, hearings and more.

How to get to Stark County Family Court Family Court visitor details.

Updated juvenile court procedures are on the home page.

SUMMIT COUNTY JUVENILE COURT Welcome to the Summit County Juvenile Court Web site. My name is Linda Tucci Teodosio and I am privileged to serve our community as Juvenile Court Judge. I believe the Juvenile Court should be more than a mechanism of punishment for youth offenders who enter the juvenile justice system. The Juvenile...

Akron Municipal Court procedures updated through May:

Watch what you're doing online! Keep your private information safe!

Huge shout out to all of my wonderful colleagues who are still out there every day running those essential hearings (in person, on zoom, or teleconference) and moving all kinds of obstacles with grace and creativity to connect with clients and get 👏it 👏done 👏 amidst the COVID chaos.

Our hard work doesn’t stop...because our clients are still dealing with all of those hard legal issues—now with the added bonus of modified court hearings, stress, and sometimes very limited resources.

Love being part of the Akron legal community, and appreciate all my colleagues and friends getting it done.

Important info re: prosecutor’s office and CSEA enforcement.

Child Support - Customer Service Portal Log In or Register To log in or register for the ChildSupport Customer Service Web Portal, please click the “Login or Register” button and follow the on-screen instructions. A Registration User Guide (click link on right) is available to assist first-time customers with registering.

Summit County Juvenile Court: Important Practice Updates

SUMMIT COUNTY JUVENILE COURT Welcome to the Summit County Juvenile Court Web site. My name is Linda Tucci Teodosio and I am privileged to serve our community as Juvenile Court Judge. I believe the Juvenile Court should be more than a mechanism of punishment for youth offenders who enter the juvenile justice system. The Juvenile...