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If Addiction is a Disease, Why is Relapsing a Crime?

If addiction is a disease then why is relapse treated like a crime?

In this edition of “The Sky Is the Limit” our guest speaker was the esteemed Judge Maritza Martinez of the Circuit Court of Cook County, joined by a panel of honored guests (listed below), this group explores the vital topic of “What Should Those of Us Struggling with Addiction and Mental Health Issues REALLY Expect When We Find Ourselves in the Cross Hairs of The Law and Other Authority Figures?”

Panelists included:
Chelsea A. Laliberte, Executive Director, Live4lali, and other board members
Greg Klapman, formerly attorney with Berger Schatz, family law
Grace Newton, Employment Discrimination Attorney
Shale Marks, Psychotherapist, SunCloud Health
David Newton, Director of Operations, SunCloud Health

Additional topics covered: How do Illinois courts (divorce, criminal and civil) REALLY treat those of us who struggle with addiction and mental illness when we find ourselves at their mercy?  Should we expect to be punished for being sick as many of us believe or should we expect to be surprised with compassion and support?

The goal of this discussion is to educate and inform, and empower our patients and their families with the truth as opposed the myths out there which are primarily based on fear, stigma and old ways. We believe most will be pleasantly surprised as we learn how much compassion and support there can be when in this situation, and how the law may actually be on our side in many cases!

More on Chelsea A. Laliberte, MSSA, Co-Founder, Executive Director and Board Member of live4lali.org.

Live4lali.org is an organization dedicated to substance use prevention, Tania Cantu S.T.O.P. supervisor and officer and a panel of legal experts on the topic of what really matters (and doesn’t matter) in domestic relations court, criminal court and employment issues for patients and their families when dealing with an addiction or mental health issue.  Many people don’t understand or believe how compassionate judges and other professionals can be in this area of the law. Thus, many stay in abusive or unhealthy relationships (or jobs) out of fear of being punished for having a disease- which we know isn’t compatible with recovery and most times is simply not necessary!

More on Tania Cantu is currently the supervisor and officer of the TREATMENT OPIOID PROGRAM (S.T.O.P), their primary focus:

  • Getting the client through treatment and aftercare for their addiction
  • Emphasize the importance of a recovery community and encourage client to build a strong solid one to maintain sobriety
  • Regular, intense interaction with the client as well as regular urinalysis to assure compliance as well as community safety
  • Assure that the clients adhere too, and complete all court ordered requirements and possibly get their charges dismissed altogether

Below are links to the eight main topics of discussion.

The information presented in this video is strictly the opinions of the participants. If you have a legal concern or are seeking advice please consult your attorney.

In the latest installment of SunCloud Health’s “The Sky’s the Limit” guest lecture series, panelists explore the legal ramifications of the recovery from six panelists.

(Part 1)If Addiction is a Disease, Why is Relapsing a Crime?

The panel at SunCloud Health’s recent The Sky Is the Limit Speaker Series event introduce themselves and discuss how the work they do relates to addiction and the criminal justice system.

The information presented in this video is strictly the opinions of the participants. If you have a legal concern or are seeking advice please consult your attorney.

(Part 2)Advice for someone in treatment who is trying to maintain legal custody of their children?

The panel offers insights on what to expect when someone with an addiction is fighting for custody of their children. The nuances and complexities of navigating the legal system while in treatment are addressed by a former Family Law Attorney and a sitting Circuit Court Judge from Cook County’s Domestic Relations Division.

The information presented in this video is strictly the opinions of the participants. If you have a legal concern or are seeking advice please consult your attorney.

(Part 3)What should you do if you relapse while you are on probation?

The panel explores the topic of legal rights for those of us struggling with addiction and mental health issues and what to expect if we find ourselves in the crosshairs of the law and other authority figures.

The information presented in this video is strictly the opinions of the participants. If you have a legal concern or are seeking advice please consult your attorney.

(Part 4)Should I tell my employer if I am suffering from an addiction?

The panel discusses the rights and responsibilities of employees who are struggling with an addiction and how it relates to their work. Examples and protocols from both legal and medical professions are shared.

The information presented in this video is strictly the opinions of the participants. If you have a legal concern or are seeking advice please consult your attorney.

(Part 5)Why do you think addiction doesn’t fall under commitment laws in Illinois?

The panel explores the current state of commitment laws in Illinois (under which addiction does not fall) as well as the pros and cons of Florida’s Marchman Act. Then, a passionate attorney in the audience engages the panel in a discussion on the issues of insurance, emergency room policies, and whether or not a new legal interpretation of the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) could help solve some of our problems.

The information presented in this video is strictly the opinions of the participants. If you have a legal concern or are seeking advice please consult your attorney.

(Part 6)How do we create a system that treats the whole person?

The panel discusses a shift in the way health care outcomes are determined and the necessity for addressing the underlining trauma that often goes hand and hand with addiction issues. Finally, a young social worker and advocate shares why she believes there is hope that addiction and mental health services will continue to improve moving forward.

The information presented in this video is strictly the opinions of the participants. If you have a legal concern or are seeking advice please consult your attorney.

(Part 7)What is the protocol for doctors when prescribing opioids to patients?

The panel discusses the protocols in place to prevent both doctors and patients from abusing prescribed medications and debates the potential impact of an innovative new state law that requires controlled substance license holders to utilize the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).

The information presented in this video is strictly the opinions of the participants. If you have a legal concern or are seeking advice please consult your attorney.

(Part 8)A family’s struggle with addiction and the legal system

A loving father shares the story of his son’s struggle with addiction and the law. Panelists and audience members share similar experiences and offer support and advice (both legal and emotional) on how to help his son and his family move forward in a positive way.

The information presented in this video is strictly the opinions of the participants. If you have a legal concern or are seeking advice please consult your attorney.

Learn more about our outpatient treatments and evening speaker series

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Rachel Collins, LCSW
Site Director of Northbrook PHP and IOP

Rachel Collins, LCSW, is the Site Director of SunCloud Health’s Northbrook Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs for both adolescents and adults. Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to complete her master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. She has since worked in a wide range of settings, including inpatient treatment, PHP/IOP programs, therapeutic group homes, and private practice. Rachel specializes in treating trauma (using Cognitive Processing Therapy) and anxiety, practicing through a relational, compassionate, and client-centered lens. She is passionate about creating a therapeutic space in which clients feel safe and able to explore various parts of themselves with curiosity as opposed to judgement. In addition to her leadership and clinical work, she is passionate about creating art, and learning about the intersection between creativity and mental health.

Kayla Corirossi, MA, LCSW
Site Director, Naperville PHP/IOP (Adolescents & Adults)

Kayla Corirossi, MA, LCSW, is the Site Director of SunCloud Health’s Naperville Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs for adolescents and adults. She brings extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations, and specializes in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, substance use, family systems, forensic populations, and individuals in crisis.

Kayla has worked in a wide range of clinical and community settings, including community-based interventions, police crisis response, correctional facilities, inpatient treatment, PHP/IOP programs, and with vulnerable and underserved populations. In addition to her clinical and leadership work, she is passionate about providing mental health education and advocacy within the community.

Kayla earned her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Aurora University and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Forensic Social Work, also at Aurora University. Her clinical approach is evidence-based, compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative, emphasizing collaboration and individualized care.

Driven by a personal mission to meet individuals where they are, Kayla is committed to helping clients feel safe, supported, and understood. She strives to create a natural and empathetic healing environment while ensuring individuals from all backgrounds and identities know they are not alone and have access to meaningful resources and support.

Elizabeth E. Sita, MD
Medical Director of Adult Services
Dr. Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, is a Board Certified psychiatrist specializing in the care of patients with eating disorders. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Chicago and graduated with Highest Honors. She then earned her medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and was recognized with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Psychiatry. She subsequently completed residency with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, where she was elected Chief Resident and received the Resident Psychiatrist Leadership & Service Award. Upon completing her training, Dr. Sita came to Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, where she served as Assistant Medical Director of the Center for Eating Disorders and Director of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Services before transitioning to lead the new inpatient eating disorder unit as Medical Director of Eating Disorder Services at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital – Chicago. In these roles, she has cared for a multitude of adolescents and adults struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders as well as severe, cooccurring mood, trauma, personality, and substance use disorders. Dr. Sita has been recognized throughout her training and practice for a commitment to excellence in patient care and for her ability to engage patients in their most challenging moments. Her passions include the care of treatment-resistant eating and mood disorders as well as questions of medical capacity and end-of-life decision making. She believes that, first and foremost, human connection is key to mental health and well-being and strives to share this philosophy in each and every patient encounter. She is excited to bring her expertise to SunCloud Health as the Medical Director of Adult Services!   VIDEO: Meet Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, Medical Director of Adult Services  
Lacey Lemke, PsyD
Assistant Vice President of Clinical Services

Dr. Lacey Lemke (she/her) is a licensed clinical health psychologist with specialized expertise in the treatment of eating disorders and the practice of medical and health psychology. She completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology with a Primary Care emphasis at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Lemke went on to complete both her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship through Ascension Health, where she gained advanced training working with individuals experiencing eating disorders and self-injurious behaviors, as well as within pediatric subspecialty settings including endocrinology, neurology, and adolescent medicine.

Dr. Lemke is deeply committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive treatment. Her professional mission is to support patients in achieving their fullest potential by guiding them to the most appropriate level of care and empowering them to make meaningful, sustainable progress toward improved health and well-being.

VIDEO: 2. Meet Lacey Lemke, PsyD.