The Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program (ALAP) has confidentially serviced over 1,000 lawyers in the state of Alabama since the program started in 2000. ALAP provides support and assistance, referrals for evaluation and treatment, monitoring for accountability and compliance, and ongoing guidance and support for any lawyer, law student or judge that maybe in need. Dr. Rachel Fry, a clinical psychologist in Birmingham, Alabama, states in her article entitled, “Masking the Struggle,” that the two biggest reasons lawyers don’t seek help are fear and of someone finding out and confidentiality. Fry reports that lawyers tend to have a certain personality characteristics that can play a role in how they manage stress that can be damaging and self-sabotaging.
In a landmark study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine in February of 2016 entitled, “The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys” researchers found that 15 bar associations (Alabama included) participated, and almost 15,000 lawyers from 19 states completed an anonymous survey addressing alcohol use, drug use, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns. The study revealed that 28% reported concerns with mild or high levels of depression and 21% to 36% revealed a score consistent with a substance use disorder. ALAP is intended to assist those in need to get back to their peak level of performance and thrive in their profession.
ALAP
- Understands alcohol/drug addictions are progressive illnesses that only get worse without help. ALAP offers confidential intervention and assistance before ethical conduct is compromised or discipline warranted.
- Understands that depression is a major illness and that the rate of depression in members of the legal community is substantially higher than that of the general population. ALAP offers intervention, monitoring and referral resources for legal professionals suffering from depression and stress.
- Understands educating the bench and bar about the signs and symptoms associated with these illnesses promotes awareness and encourages an atmosphere conducive to getting help. ALAP offers educational programs to local bar associations, judicial conferences and law schools throughout the state.