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Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee
The Association's Lawyers Helping Lawyers (LHL) Committee was established in 1978 to provide a confidential channel of communication for attorneys and judges experiencing alcohol or drug-related difficulties. The LHL is a committee of volunteers. We're lawyers just like you. Our only qualification for helping is that we have been there. We have stopped our dependency on alcohol and drugs and we know how to help. It's your career. It's your call.
One in Five attorneys suffer from alcohol or drug addiction.
That's nearly two times more than the general population. Despite the fact that addiction does not discriminate, legal professionals have a higher predisposition to the illness. Why? It's the nature of the profession; lawyers tend to be overachievers, carry an enormous workload and often work in emotionally charged, high-pressure environments.
Dependency is a treatable health problem.
It is a physical and emotional disease with absolutely nothing to do with morals or will power. It is an addiction to alcohol and/or drugs. It is a progressive illness that will only get worse without help.
How are drugs or alcohol affecting your life?
Just like any disease, symptoms vary from person to person. Some people exhibit out-of-control behavior while others slowly progress over decades. Some are daily drinkers/users where others abstain for long periods of time and then binge.
Do you:
- Lie about alcohol or drug use?
- Get jumpy, shaky, cranky, nervous or have cravings because you need alcohol or drugs?
- Use alcohol or drugs in the morning?
- Miss work or perform poorly due to alcohol or drug use?
- Avoid family and friends in favor of using alcohol or drugs?
- Suffer from depression?
- Make poor decisions including sexual risks or drive under the influence?
Maybe you have a problem. Maybe you don't. If, however, you drink or use more than you want to…if you get into trouble or if you simply find your addiction getting in the way of family, friends, and work…please call us.
Take control of your problem before someone else does. If you or someone you know is impaired by alcohol or substance dependency, Lawyers Helping Lawyers can help - discreetly and confidentially.
For a confidential referral to a member of the LHL Committee, call Kathie Bifaro at (716) 852-8687, ext. 19
Confidential and Protected
Judiciary Law Section 499;
Federal Regulation 42 CFR Part 2;
NYSBA Ethics Committee Opinion #531, 1981
Internet Web Sites
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
www.aa.org
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
www.na.org
International Lawyers in AA (ILAA)
www.ilaa.org
Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.alateen.org
Local Meetings
The Lawyers with Depression Support Group
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Action for Mental Health
1585 Kensington Avenue
Kenmore, NY 14217
Information Contact: Mike Morrison
Phone (716) 834-4026
Recovery Meeting for Legal Professionals
Meetings: Every Thursday
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: St. Louis RC Church
35 Edward Street, at Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Support for Families of Alcoholics
Al-Anon (716) 856-2520