1. Studies of the incidence of chemical dependency
in the legal profession suggest that it is as much as 50 percent higher than the incidence
of the problem in the general adult population.
2. A late-stage alcoholic’s or addict’s strong compulsion
to drink or use drugs is typically driven by an obsessive desire to be drunk or high.
3. Denial, rationalization and euphoric recall are mechanisms that an
addict’s ego employs for self- protection.
4. We do a good deed for a colleague and for our profession whenever
we cover up an alcoholic attorney’s mistakes or minimize the frequency or severity of
abuse incidents.
5. Before there is any hope of motivating an alcoholic or addict to
get help, he or she must first “hit bottom.”
6. An intervention is conducted as a “staged crisis” by
concerned individuals who try, in a caring and compassionate manner, to persuade an addict
that a happier and healthier future is available through treatment and recovery.
7. The Other Bar is a network of lawyers-helping-lawyers transition
into recovery and provides an introduction to the 12-step approach to recovery in a
supportive peer environment.
8. You have observed a steady deterioration of the demeanor,
appearance and professional conduct of a colleague or subordinate and suspect that alcohol
or drug abuse is the source. The first step you should take is to confront him or her
about the problem to determine if your suspicion is accurate.
9. The Lawyers Personal Assistance Program provides answers to
important questions concerning membership in the State Bar and practicing as an attorney.
10. Attorneys are trained to be objective, are often reluctant to
focus on their inner personal lives and are less likely to take care of themselves
emotionally and physically than medical doctors and other professionals.
11. You have observed that a usually clear-headed and enthusiastic
colleague and friend has recently begun to be moody, sluggish and indecisive. You should
be worried that your friend may be suffering from job burnout or depression and should
talk to him or her about the Lawyers Personal Assistance Program or other appropriate
sources of professional help.
12. The incidence of clinical depression has been observed to be very
high in the legal profession.
13. Because of constant demands by clients, opposing counsel, etc.,
there is no way for legal professionals to gain control over the constant overload they
experience.
14. Only ineffective attorneys suffer from stress overload.
15. The chief benefit to be gained through meditation, in terms of
managing stress, is spiritual growth.
16. Learning how to say “no,” scheduling realistically and
minimizing interruptions are some of the keys to effective time management.
17. People who have a positive outlook and an optimistic viewpoint
generally experience less stress.
18. How we perceive or interpret a circumstance makes little or no
difference in determining how much stress it causes us to experience.
19. One of the keys to managing one’s stress level is learning
to distinguish those events or circumstances that are not worth investing a great deal of
emotional or physical energy from those that are.
20. The Lawyers Personal Assistance Program offers a free,
confidential service, paid for by the State Bar, for attorneys with stress or emotional
issues. |
