THE NEW HAMPSHIRE Bar Association joins with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in recognizing September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

Help is available for lawyers confronting mental health or substance abuse issues. Millions of Americans suffer from alcoholism, drug abuse, stress and emotional problems. Studies show a high incidence of these illnesses among professionals, including attorneys and judges.

Impaired attorneys hurt not only themselves, but also their spouses, colleagues, clients, employees, friends and the legal profession itself. They often reveal themselves in physical ailments, sloppy work habits, personal or professional misconduct, angry or abusive behavior, or a host of other symptoms.

If substance use or mental health issues interfere with daily living, it’s a problem. If you think you have a problem, you probably do.

Two groups of New Hampshire attorneys, with substantial experience assisting those in crisis, are committed to providing help to attorneys who are suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, stress, depression and related illnesses.

The New Hampshire Bar Association’s Lawyers’ Assistance Committee (LAC) has provided assistance to attorneys in need for over 18 years. Under NH Supreme Court rules, LAC members provide confidential help for Bar members with the courage to address these issues. The LAC is designed to match impaired attorneys with the many excellent resources in their community available to help – including other attorneys who have experienced and successfully dealt with the same problems. Attorneys seeking confidential, professional assistance may contact the LAC’s HELPLINE, 24 hours a day, at (603) 224-6060.

A second organization offering confidential help to attorneys in need is Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL). LCL holds two monthly meetings and has no formal affiliation with the New Hampshire Bar Association. Through LCL, lawyers are given an opportunity to discuss their problems with experienced attorneys and judges, many of whom have personally confronted substance abuse and mental health issues. LCL meets for dinner on a regular basis in Manchester and Exeter. No reservations are required and all Bar members are welcome. For additional information about LCL, call John at (603) 436-8035.

If you or someone you know needs help, please take the first step and contact the LAC HELPLINE or attend an LCL meeting. The first step is the hardest.

Additional resources available to those in crisis:

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
An international fellowship of men and women who have had drinking problems.

Al-Anon Family Groups, Inc. (Al-Anon/AlAteen)
www.al-anon.alateen.org
A mutual support program that helps families and friends (adults and youths) of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a friend or relative.

Caron Foundation
www.caron.org
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide an enlightened, caring community in which all those affected by the sickness of addiction may begin a new life. The foundation provides rehabilitation services to adults, adolescents, and their families suffering from chemical dependency and related addictions.

Hazelden
www.hazelden.org
A nonprofit organization providing high-quality, affordable rehabilitation, education, prevention, professional services, and publications regarding chemical dependency and related disorders.

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