MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

SOMEDAY, A LAWYER YOU KNOW WILL NEED US

If you or an attorney you know suffer from chemical dependency, stress, depression or similar problems, professional or peer assistance may be necessary to bring about positive change. The Member Assistance Program can offer this help on a confidential basis.

MAP IS
the Member Assistance Committee, made up of more than 70 volunteer lawyers and judges throughout the state, a professional staff director, and a statewide network of attorney and non-attorney volunteers – all of whom are committed to helping troubled attorneys get the assistance and support they need.

MAP WILL
confidentially assist any Arizona attorney, judge or law student whose professional performance may be impaired because of physical or mental illness, emotional distress, substance abuse, compulsive gambling or other addictive behaviors.

  •  Identify problems or impairments
  •  Provide peer support
  •  Refer a troubled attorney to professional help when needed
  •  Assist rehabilitation efforts
  •  Answer questions regarding attorney impairment
  •  Provide mental health resource information
  •  Assist family members and colleagues

MAP WILL NOT

  •  Practice law for any attorney
  •  Provide financial assistance for any attorney
  •  Institute any discipline proceeding against an attorney
  •  Disclose any information regarding MAP participants without their informed consent

THE TREATABLE DISEASE
Chemical dependency and alcoholism is not a moral weakness – it is a chronic but treatable illness. It is estimated that at least 20% of the attorneys in Arizona are affected by this disease – even more experience problems in their lives because of alcohol or drugs.

If any of the following symptoms are present in your life, or in the life of someone you know, there may be cause for concern.

  •  Drinking or using to bolster courage, calm nerves, improve performance, or deal with difficult people or situations.
  •  Drinking or using on the job, before appointments, meetings, depositions, or court appearances.
  •  Failing to show for appointments, meetings, depositions, or court appearances; failing to return phone calls.
  •  Missing deadlines or neglecting work; overall work quality decline.
  •  Blaming others for mistakes, difficulties or problems.
  •  Avoiding partners, office staff, friends, family or clients.
  •  Drinking or using alone.
  •  Increasing family or marital discord.
  •  Making excuses for or lying about frequency or amount of drinking.
  •  Driving while under the influence (whether caught or not).
  •  Experiencing “blackouts” or memory lapses when drinking or using.

QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES
There is growing acceptance in the medical community that long hours and stressful work can contribute to professional burnout and clinical depression. The legal profession often provides ample opportunity for just such conditions. Attorneys are more likely than any other profession to suffer from clinical depression and job-related stress. If you see yourself in this list, you may need help:

  •  Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  •  Thoughts of suicide
  •  Restlessness and irritability
  •  Low self-esteem or guilt
  •  Fatigue or loss of energy
  •  Diminished ability to think or concentrate
  •  Loss of appetite and lack of interest in recreation
  •  Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  •  Isolating or avoiding friends or family

MAP will provide help in dealing with any mental health issue. If we can’t help, we’ll help you find someone who can.

If you think you or an attorney you know might have a problem, call the Member Assistance Program and talk with someone who can help. 602-340-7334 or 800-681-3057 (24-hour crisis line)

REFERRALS
may be made by the impaired attorney, or by anyone concerned about an attorney. You can call MAP any time, any day and talk with our professional staff, who will answer your questions, provide you with information, give you support, and offer a plan of action to address your concerns.

CONFIDENTIALITY
is of utmost importance. By law, all communications, information, reports, or records received, gathered or maintained by MAP are kept strictly confidential.

MAP staff and committee members only want to help. You only need to call.

If you think you or an attorney you know might have a problem, call the Member Assistance Program and talk with someone who can help. 602-340-7334 or 800-681-3057 (24-hour crisis line)

Sponsored by:
State Bar of Arizona Member Assistance Committee