The Washington Unbar Alcoholics Anonymous group for legal professionals has been meeting for almost 30 years. The group meets on Wednesdays 12:15–1:30 p.m. and Sundays 7–8 p.m. At present the group meets online via Zoom, and attorneys from all over Washington participate. For more information and zoom credentials contact the Unbar at unbarwa@gmail.com.
If you would like a peer advisor to discuss your difficulties with alcohol or other substances, or to join you at a meeting, contact the Member Wellness Program at 206-727-8267, and we can arrange an introduction.
Scholarly and lay publications regularly report that attorneys experience addiction at roughly twice the rate of the general population. Educating yourself is essential in addressing the concerns that can hamper a career. The following three documents provide a broad array of practical and current information to help you to understand addiction and the many ways one can choose to seek treatment:
Help is available. Contact the Member Wellness Program to consult on a broad range of addictions issues. Or call WSBA Connects for free in person counseling in your community.
Links to Information Provided by the American Bar Association
Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
As many as one in five lawyers experiences a drinking problem. Treatment is available.
Contact the Member Wellness Program for recommendations on groups, both AA and non-AA, throughout the state, including some that are specifically for attorneys.
Addiction can have a devastating effect on a lawyer’s career. Addiction is a treatable disease.
Suicide
There is a strong correlation between suicide and the mental health issues listed above.
If you have had thoughts of suicide, we encourage you to contact a Member Wellness Program counselor. The Member Wellness Program does not, however, have the staffing capacity to provide 24/7 emergency coverage. If you feel in crisis, please call 911 or contact your local crisis hotline if one is available. National hotlines are available 24/7: 800-784-2433 or 800-273-8255.
