DonateEmergency Support

Alcohol & Substance Use

Contact Us

Identifying the Cause

Due to the high expectations and stress that accompany practicing law, self-sufficient, bright, high-achieving individuals like lawyers may be more likely to self-medicate using drugs and alcohol rather than seek alternative help. What begins as a pattern of light usage can quickly shift to a progressive addiction. Before addiction from substance abuse impacts your professional or personal life, evaluate your habits and get help. 

  • Identify the problem. If you find your health deteriorating, your actions difficult to gauge or guarantee, or that you use substances in order to improve performance and cope with your feelings, your substance use may be a problem.
     
  • Addiction is NOT a weakness, but a disease that comes with proven steps for treatment. Help and support are within your reach. You can start by calling us.

  • Reclaim Control. LCL-CT is a network of knowledgeable members of the legal community who draw upon personal experience and a vast body of resources to get you the help you need. From peer counseling to discussion groups, to lawyers-only substance abuse meetings and treatment recommendations, one call will connect you with the information you need to recover control of your personal and professional life.

SUBSTANCE USE Disorder IS TREATABLE

Alcohol and drug abuse are not moral issues.  They are treatable illnesses.  There is no stigma to having such illnesses. 

Medical authorities have established that addiction is a disease in which there is a preoccupation with alcohol or other drugs, coupled with a loss of control over their consumption.

Recovery and relief may be attained by an acknowledgement of the problem and a plan to address the problem through treatment. 

Substance use disorder

Signs & Symptoms

  • Persistent complaints of not feeling well.
  • Deterioration of personal appearance or hygiene.
  • Withdrawal.
  • Overreaction to real/imagined criticism.
  • Grandiose, aggressive or belligerent behavior.
  • Large weight loss or gain.
  • Frequent insomnia or difficulty sleeping. 
  • Inability to retain (or fires) secretary, bookkeeper or associate attorneys.
  • Drinks or uses drugs regularly, during office hours, or while at court appearances/dispositions.
  • Needs a drink or drug when something good or bad happens.
  • Loses control at social gatherings when professional decorum is called for.
  • Neglects to respond to calls from clients, court, and others.
  • Takes frequent days off or leaves work early without good reason.

    How Can LCL-CT Help?

    Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers CT was founded in 2005 primarily to assist attorneys, law students, judges and others in the legal community struggling with untreated alcoholism. For them, prior to LCL-CT’s founding, there was little guarantee of privacy or anonymity. Now there is. LCL-CT offers an array of peer support, meetings, and resources—all totally confidential. There is no downside whatsoever to at least calling our office. Call 860-563-4900 or send your private message to info@lclct.org.

    Recovery Resources

    Alcohol

    Narcotics & Drugs