SUBSTANCE ABUSE:

Steps for Handling the Problem

If you suspect that someone you care about has a substance abuse
problem that you want to address, consider the following basic
steps:

EXAMINE THE CONSEQUENCES OF

CONFRONTING THE PERSON
Ask yourself whether or not the person is ready; be aware of how
this might impact your relationship with the person.

PICK AN APPROPRIATE TIME AND PLACE

Dont do it when you are angry or when the person youre
confronting is high or hung over.

PLAN WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAY

Focus on the effects of the problem; speak in terms of what matters
most to the person, i.e. job, family.

EXPECT RESISTANCE/DENIAL/ANGER
Know in advance that it will be difficult; suspect if its too easy

REFUSE TO COVER OR ENABLE

No more drinking together or bailing the person out.

HAVE INFORMATION AND REFERRALS ON HAND

Provide them with information such as The Other Bar and LAP.
Know that they may not utilize these right away.

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 TREAT THE PERSON WITH RESPECT
Keep in mind the toll that this takes and the self-esteem issues the
person may be facing.

HAVE A FOLLOW-THROUGH PLAN

Once youve addressed the problem decide how you will continue to
interact with this person.

REMEMBER, YOU CAN NOT CHANGE ANOTHER

INDIVIDUAL, YOU CAN ONLY CHANGE THE WAY
YOU INTERACT WITH THEM
Ultimately the person needs to be ready and willing to make
changes; you can only give them support, guidance, and time!

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 SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND THE LEGAL
PROFESSION

Recent studies have confirmed a larger problem of substance abuse and

addiction in the legal community than in almost any other profession.
According to the American Bar Association, the number of lawyers
suffering from some form of chemical dependency disease is nearly
doubled that of the general population, with estimates as high as 15-
18%. One of the leading factors contributing to these figures is the high
level of stress that lawyers experience on a regular basis resulting from
long hours, tight deadlines, and high stakes, as well as difficult clients,
judges, and other attorneys. This sustained stress level can eventually
result in the neglect and deterioration of both family and career. As a
consequence of this, lawyers frequently suffer from high rates of
clinical depression. Substance abuse often develops as an attempt to
self-medicate and to relieve tension, often becoming habitual.

Because of the very nature of lawyers, the fact that they are generally in the
position of giving advice instead of receiving it, and are comfortable being
in control, it can be more difficult for them to get the assistance needed. The
fear of loss of respect, loss of job and license, and loss of family often tend
to make lawyers internalize the problem. Although many lawyers suffering
from substance abuse disease and addiction continue to function fairly well,
some aspects of their lives will almost always eventually suffer, whether it is
family, social, or professional. Professionally, substance abuse can result in
loss of productivity through poor work performance, absenteeism and
lateness, neglect of ones appearance, irritability, missed deadlines and court
appearances, and misuse of client funds.

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For attorneys experiencing problems with substance abuse, stress, or
depression, there is a confidential, professional program through the Lawyer
Assistance Program (877-527-4435). The LAP consists of an
individualized, long-term recovery plan for substance abuse and mental
health issues; short-term counseling; and short-term career counseling.
Additionally, lawyers in California can obtain free assessments and referral
services regarding substance abuse through the non-profit organization, The
Other Bar (800-222-0767; www.otherbar.org). Families involved with
substance abuse should also seek help through organizations such as Alanon
to learn how to protect themselves and not enable the substance abuser.

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 SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Symptoms of Abuse and Dependency

Substance Abuse

-Failure to fulfill responsibilities

-Physically dangerous to self and others, e.g., driving under the

influence

-Continued use in the face of consequences

-Legal problems

Dependency

-Tolerance, needing more to produce desired effect

-Withdrawal symptoms

-Increased use; more than planned

-Craving; an overwhelming desire

-Hiding or obsessing about getting or using desired substance

-Repeated failed attempts to control use

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 -Isolation; loss of interest in social activities

SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
National Resources and Support Agencies
AA: Alcoholics Anonymous offers a 12-step recovery program
for individuals who seek help with a drinking problem. (212)
870-3400. www.aa.org
ABA: American Bar Association Standing Committee on
Substance Abuse.
(202) 662-1784 www.abanet.org/subabuse/home.html
AL-ANON (and ALATEEN for younger members): A
worldwide organization that offers a self-help recovery program
for families and friends of alcoholics.
(888) 425-2666 www.Al Anon-Alateen.org
AMA: American Medical Association, Office of Alcohol and
Other Drug Abuse. (312) 464-4202 www.ama-assn.org
Drug Help: Drug Help: A 24-hour information network for
information on specific drugs, and referrals to treatment
programs, self-help groups and crisis centers. (800) DRUG-
HELP www.drughelp.org
NACoA: National Association of Children of Alcoholics
provides information on children and families affected by
alcoholism and other drug dependencies. (888) 554-2627
www.nacoa.org/
NCADI: The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
Information is the world's largest resource for current, free
information and materials on alcohol and substance abuse
prevention, intervention and treatment. (800) 729-6686
www.ncadi.samhsa.gov
Narcotics Anonymous: A 12-step program for recovering drug
addicts in which members learn from one another how to live
drug-free. (818) 773-9999 www.na.org

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 ABOUT LIFE THEATRE SERVICES

Founded in 1992 by drama therapist Cynthia Cristilli, and professional

actress, Molly Goode, Life Theatre uses reality based dramatizations to
examine social and business concerns of all types. Allowing audience
members to interact directly with the actors, who respond as their characters,
Life Theatre has an exceptional track record when it comes to engaging and
galvanizing groups of all kinds.

Originally focusing on the corporate sector, Life Theatre has presented

workshops on a variety of topics such as sexual harassment, diversity and
bias, communication, ethics, and AIDS in the workplace. A partial list of our
client base includes Pacific Bell Telephone, Wells Fargo Bank, Charles
Schwab, The Gap, Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, and The
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Academic Institutions including
Stanford University, University of California in Los Angeles, University of
California in Irvine and University of California in San Diego have also
utilized Life Theaters unique services. Locally weve created programs for
law firms Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe, Cooley, Godward LLP and
Jones Day as well as The SF Exploratorium and several of the leading
biotech companies in the Bay Area, including Genencor, Fibrogen and
Fluidigm.

As our base has expanded, we have traveled throughout the country

performing for a wide range of organizations including: The National
Council for Negro Women, Glaxo Wellcome, Berlex Laboratories, Meeting
Planners International and IDEA Corporation. These performances have
explored such issues as conflict resolution, family dynamics, stress
management, living with AIDS, domestic violence and substance abuse.

In 1999 Cynthia Cristilli and Molly Goode won an Emmy Award for their
co-production with ABC/7 entitled Talking Back; Life Theatre Looks at the

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American Family. Life Theatre Services also developed the first direct to
patient information pilot program for a pharmaceutical company using
interactive theater techniques, and was the subject of a feature article in the
San Francisco Examiner regarding our innovative work with HIV and AIDS
education. Life Theatre Services is a woman owned business and certified as
a Woman and Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE).

Market Research analysis conclusions*, compiled over a three day period at

a Life Theatre performance series in 1996 stated: Life Theatres interactive
format was an excellent and original way to allow audiences to learn, discuss
and share ideas concerning the social problems that plague us... The actors
were described as riveting, and so realistic that some viewers were not sure
whether they were acting or just giving testimonials about their own lives.
Contributing to this positive commentary was the fact that the actors stayed
in character during the interactive portions of the performance, and were
very convincing answering the viewers questions and sharing views with
audience members in role.

*ELCOR Marketing Association, Inc. Washington D.C.

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