Alcohol and drug addiction treatment

Addiction treatment for attorneys, judges and other legal professionals

Addiction is a chronic, progressive disease, and legal professionals suffer at nearly twice the rate of those in any other profession.

But hope is real. And help is ready.

At Hazelden, legal professionals will find the personalized care, unparalleled expertise, and peer support you need to rebuild your life and preserve your legal career. Get your life back from addiction at Hazelden

Inquire in confidence.

Help from Hazelden begins with a free and confidential phone consultation with an attorney/clinician who will gain an understanding of your particular situation.

For attorneys, addiction might well be considered an occupational hazard. An estimated one in five legal professionals has an active addiction or substance abuse problem — nearly twice the rate of the general population as well as that of physicians, pilots, or other licensed professionals. Additionally, at least half of all disciplinary cases involve substance abuse.

What's more addiction recovery for attorney, judges, and other legal professionals can be especially complex. Many have successfully hidden their addiction to alcohol or other drugs for years. Guilt and shame are familiar emotions. The very strengths prized in lawyers' problem-solving - intellectualization, persuasiveness - can be stumbling blocks to addiction recovery. But with the right care and support, addiction can be treated and managed for life.

Hazelden draws from more than 60 years of expertise in providing unparalleled alcohol and other drug addiction treatment for men, women, youth, and families. Through our specialized program for lawyers, comprehensive evaluation, diagnostic, and addiction treatment services are delivered with the goal of preparing each patient for lifelong recovery and the successful return to the practice of law.

Assessment and recommendations

After the phone consultation, an assessment may be in order to determine whether a diagnosis of alcoholism or other drug addiction is appropriate. Hazelden's assessment process is based on the American Society of Addiction Medicine's Patient Placement Criteria. The result of your assessment will be recommendations for care, further evaluation, or referrals as appropriate. If Hazelden's legal professionals program is recommended for you, an attorney/clinician will play a key role in initiating your care.

The daily treatment experience at Hazelden encompasses education, group sessions, individual appointments and counseling, recreational activities, and time for personal reflection and relaxation. Interacting closely with Hazelden's clinical team and your treatment peers, you will develop a clear understanding of what it means and what it takes to live in recovery from addiction.

Clinically integrated care

Hazelden's residential addiction treatment for legal professionals incorporates integrated clinical disciplines with individualized planning and care—all in a comfortable, healing, and supportive environment. Core treatment programming at Hazelden is Twelve Step-based and gender-specific, and length of stay varies with the patient as clinically indicated. Particularly among attorneys who suffer from depression at three times the rate of other professionals mental health disorders commonly go hand in hand with addiction. That's why treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions is integrated into your care at Hazelden. Your interdisciplinary care team will consist of:

• addiction counselors
• psychologists and psychiatrists
• physicians and nurses
• family specialists
• spiritual care professionals
• nutritionists and wellness

A four-day Family Program, offered free of charge to one family member, is integrated into Hazelden's treatment program. Participants gain insight into how addiction affects families and relationships, and learn healthy ways of responding to addiction-related issues.

Specifically for the legal professional

Your treatment experience will include intensive group therapy, psychoeducational services, presentations by Hazelden clinicians and outside experts, and individual counseling. In particular, the weekly legal professionals groups, facilitated by an attorney/clinician, will provide you with powerful insight from peers facing similar challenges and situations.

Through ongoing one-on-one sessions with an attorney/clinician, you will also have the opportunity to address issues related to career restoration, professional practice, reputation, licensing or disciplinary matters, and continuing care. Attendance at a weekly attorneys-only Twelve Step meeting off campus is also a scheduled option.

Treatment at Hazelden prepares you for the road ahead. You will know what you need to do to take care of yourself, where to turn for support, and how to be aware of people, places, and things that could trigger relapse.

More time to heal

The end of your Hazelden stay may include several days at The Lodge program on the Center City campus, where you will learn more about how to apply new-found recovery principles and practices to your everyday living.

Continuing care and career re-entry

An individualized continuing care plan will be part of your treatment experience at Hazelden. Continuing care recommendations may include extended residential care, ongoing outpatient therapy, or participation in support groups, all with the goal of successful transition to home and career.

As you near discharge, an attorney/clinician will work with you on a career re-integration plan. At your discretion and as appropriate, Hazelden will communicate with your referent, licensing agency, disciplinary board, employer, or state bar association. Hazelden will also gladly connect you with your state Lawyer Assistance Program or a legal professional close to your home who is in recovery.

Unparalleled recovery support

Hazelden's care and support for you doesn't end when you complete treatment. Throughout your first 18 months of recovery, you will have access to Hazelden's exclusive MORE program (My Ongoing Recovery Experience) providing you with tailored, Web-based recovery support. Through MORE, you will have 24/7 online access to a Hazelden addiction counselor, helpful resources, and fellowship with others in recovery.

Financial arrangements

A Hazelden financial case manager will work with you to determine insurance coverage, payment options, and financial arrangements. Most major insurance is accepted, and financial aid options are also available. Our financial case managers have an expert understanding of insurance benefits and will work to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit available.

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