The legal profession has high levels of drug abuse. If you or someone you care about is using alcohol or other substances in a way that undermines well-being, relationships or productivity, this page is a good place to get started.
Self-Assessment
- This free, anonymous online screening helps you assess your use of alcohol
- Yale Health’s website has a diagnostic tool for opioid, alcohol and other substances
- Connecticut’s lawyer assistance program, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, also offers a self-diagnosis quiz
Support for Making Changes
- Yale University’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Harm Reduction Initiative (AODHRI, aka “Audrey”) offers guidance on what to do in an emergency
- You can always call Substance Abuse Counselor Marie Baker at 203-432-1891 or email marie.baker@yale.edu. Mental Health & Counseling is also available to address your concerns – 203-432-0290 (M-F 8:30-5:00) or Acute Care at 203-432-0123 (after hours).
- Also, consider setting up a meeting with anyone in OSA to discuss your concerns about your own substance use, or that of a friend, roommate, or family member
Additional Resources
- LCL, Connecticut's lawyer assistance program, provides crisis intervention and referral services to members of the Connecticut legal community who are facing personal, mental health and addiction problems
- Here are their guidelines on recognizing a substance abuse problem. All law students are eligible for up to six free sessions per year with a professional for issues including alcohol and substance abuse, stress, anxiety and depression. LCL also offers a peer support network of members who have successfully made it through recovery. 860-563-4900; Hotline-800-497-1422.
The ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP)
The ABA CoLAP offers a comprehensive list of national addiction and recovery resources for attorneys struggling with dependency, mental health, and other issues
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The mission of SAMHSA is to educate Americans and to connect people to local treatment providers. Click here for treatment resources and to learn about prevention and support as well. 24hr hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training)
Their online toolbox for overcoming addiction includes interactive tools and worksheets. They also hold mutual support meetings.
Other Chemical Dependency and Self-Help Sites
Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families