Chemical Health Issues: Stories / Information / Self-Assessment / Support and Counseling

The use of alcohol in our culture is widespread, often associated with social events and as self-medication for stress, tension, anxiety, personal or professional problems or even mental illnesses like depression. Legal and illegal drugs are also widely available and are used for the same purposes as alcohol. The culture of the law school and the law firm often incorporates at least the use of alcohol for celebrations, end-of-work release, and "relaxation" from the pressures of study and practice. "Hard working and hard playing" is frequently a value in these settings.

The downside is usually not overtly explored--DWIs, inappropriate behavior, stressed marital and family relationships, the death of brain cells and other physical consequences, and the increased risk of dependency. The consequences of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies are best understood through personal stories as well as information about the disease of addiction. Another means of determining personal risk is through a self-assessment. From these sources, one can begin to discover more about one's present condition and make informed choices of future behaviors.