Treatment and Recovery Enhancement for Sustained Recovery
Andrea G. Barthwell, MD, FASAM
Joseph (Buddy) E. Stockwell, Esq., Director, Louisiana Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc.
Years of research studies have shown that some treatment is better than none, more treatment is better than less, but treatment is best when driven by assessment, buttressed with case management and completed with follow up care in the community. In an age of increasing access to treatment there are wide variances in outcomes among populations, with the best shown in groups managed over a long term with urine monitoring and other elements that encourage personal accountability and self-reflection to allow the individual to build on the gains achieved in treatment in a self-directed way.
Dr. Barthwell will discuss the elements of treatment that are associated with an increase in “emotional intelligence” as a predictor of long-term success. Three goals of treatment- acknowledge addiction as a disease, commit to recovery as a life-style, and reduce or eliminate inducements to use as a strategy- will be presented. Seven elements of treatment- achieving abstinence from non-medical use, seeking professional guidance, using peer support, undergoing a medication review, using nutrition and exercise to restore the brain and body, and daily ritual- will be explored as essential to creating and expansion of recovery and achieving mental peace, physical well-being, and personal productivity.
Mr. Stockwell will review the ABA’s Model Rules of Ethics related to impairment in the legal profession. Included will be a discussion of the circumstances under which a lawyer may incur an ethical obligation regarding impairment of a colleague.
Andrea Barthwell – Sponsored by Two Dreams
The Roadmap to Wellness: Incorporating Attachment Theory and the Trauma Model in the Recovery/Discovery Process
James “Buddy” Horne, III, MA, LPC, CSAT – Clinical Specialist, The Ranch
Matt Eggleston, J.D., Regional Director of Admissions, Elements Behavioral Health
Understanding attachment theory and the impact of trauma, abuse, and neglect, when representing clients or coworkers that are dealing with addictive and behavioral health issues. Because lawyers and judges constantly deal with impaired attorneys in the workplace, this workshop will assist them in developing a better understanding how attachment, trauma, abuse and neglect can impact the recovery process regarding substance abuse or dependence, mood or anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and sex or intimacy disorders. It will also help participants recognize behaviors that may warrant a referral of an impaired attorney to a Lawyer Assistance Program and/or treatment facility. In some circumstances, referrals to LAP programs may satisfy a duty to report behavior to disciplinary agencies.
Learning Objectives: Participating Attorneys will be able to identify 3 symptoms of the role of attachment and trauma related to addictive or behavioral health disorders in the process of recovery. Participating Attorneys will be able to identify 2 interventions to more effectively assist clients in addressing psychological barriers to successfully preventing relapse with addictive or behavioral health disorders and working an ongoing recovery program, and understand how and when to utilize a Lawyer Assistance Program.
Find Your People
Robert L. Chapman, Director of Program Development / Clinical Specialist, The Ranch
Byron Simpson, J.D., Assistant Director of Admissions, The Ranch
Recovery is about community building and the important almost sacred act of “finding your people.” Although attorneys are familiar with “networking” for business and professional reasons, they are often not aware that networking for recovery and mental health issues can actually save lives. Impaired attorneys have a difficult time obtaining and maintaining recovery when living in social, professional and psychological isolation. This session is designed to teach principles of community building and “finding your people” in the often combative and stressful world of the legal community. Utilizing both educational and experiential tools, attorneys, judges and LAP volunteers will learn how to reach out to their fellow colleagues who are suffering from a mental health or substance abuse issue. Participants will also learn how Lawyer Assistance Programs can be both a resource and safe harbor for all members of the legal profession.
Speakers Sponsored by The Ranch
What’s New in Drug and Alcohol Testing: New Markers and Devices for Monitoring Participants
Gregory Skipper, MD, Director, Professional Health Services at Promises Treatment Centers-Los Angeles
Byron Simpson, JD, Assistant Director of Admissions, The Ranch
The science of forensic drug and alcohol testing is constantly evolving. This lecture will provide valuable information for attorneys who represent clients that are being drug tested, either voluntarily or by mandatory court order, and for those involved with lawyer assistance programs (LAPs) working with clients participating in drug testing for a variety of reasons. This session will provide all attendees with a review of the new innovations in drug and alcohol testing, to include a better understanding of how they work to detect and deter relapse. Attendees will also be provided the pros and cons of the different drug tests, including phosphatidylethanol (PEth) testing, EtG and EtS, and learn which tests may be better suited to their particular clients. There will also be discussion about the new devices on the market for monitoring alcohol and drug use. There will be time allowed for Q and A. Attendees will leave this session with a knowing and understanding the latest drug testing innovations and better prepared to work with and/or represent their clients competently.
Gregory Skipper - Sponsored by Professionals Evaluations and Treatment Programs at Promises
Byron Simpson - Sponsored by The Ranch
Breakout: Judicial Roundtables – Building Community Among Judges
Hon. John C. Rowley, Tompkins County Court, New York
Hon. Richard S. Brown, Wisconsin Court of Appeals
In 2011, Judge Rowley and Paul Curtin, developed a protocol to engage judges in structured conversations about the challenges of their work. Using a peer support model, the judges gather in groups of 8-12 and respond to a series of questions about stress, isolation, wellness strategies, and the like. A moderator is trained to ensure that all the members of the group have time to share and that the judges stay on task!
This program has now been conducted over 25 times with New York State Judges to great success. The written protocols have now been shared to Wisconsin and Tennessee where efforts are underway to launch Judicial Roundtables.
This presentation will include an introduction to Judicial Roundtables including the types of questions that have been most successful, lessons learned from the three states, an open discussion on the topic, and a brief interactive Roundtable session.
Breakout: Founders Presentation
Moderator: William L. Hoge, III, Esq., Hoge & Associates
Panelists:
William J. Kane, Esq., Director, New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program
David R. Pfalzgraf, Esq., Pfalzgraf, Beinhauer & Menzies, LLP
Martha A. Roof, Esq., Private Practice
Remembering our past to better serve the future. A panel of lawyers, who were instrumental in the formation of the lawyer assistance movement, provides historical perspective as a guide to meeting the constant challenges in working with impaired lawyers. Over 120 years of combined sobriety on the panel will provide a context in understanding the role that individual recovery played in the formation of LAPs, and how “carrying the message” became the “broad-brush” programs that many states now offer. The overall success of the LAP approach will be discussed. Also addressed will be the value of early intervention (“bringing the bottom up to meet them”, as the Big Book says) support from Bar Associations, Supreme Courts, and LAP committees, networking/outreach among our fellow attorneys, and the true gift of the 12 Traditions, which allow for cooperate without affiliation. This panel will provide attorneys information about LAPs so they may have a better understanding of how the LAP can be of assistance not only to the lawyer in need, but also the attorney representing that lawyer.
The Health of Today's Law Students: Reporting Results of a National Survey on Well-Being of Law Students and Discussing Next Steps
Panelists:
Katherine Bender, PhD, Programming Director, Dave Nee Foundation
David Jaffe, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, American University Washington College of Law
Jerry Organ, Professor of Law and Associate Director of the Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions, University of St. Thomas School of Law, Minnesota
Panelists will report results from the first multi-school study of law student wellness, covering both substance use as well as mental health. The presentation of the results will offer insight into law students' resistance to seek help when needed. Panelists, with input from the audience, will facilitate a discussion of how best to move forward in developing effective approachesto ensure the well-being of our law students and to empower them to access appropriate resources.
Pragmatism or Saving a Life... How about BOTH!
Moderator: Linda Albert, LCSW, CSAC, Program Manager, Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance Program
Panelists:
Matt Eggleston, JD, Director of Admissions, The Ranch
John Leskow, JD, CAP, CCJAP, Professionals Program Coordinator, UF Health Florida Recovery Center
Michael A. Stewart, Esq., Bradford Health Services
This presentation will serve as a guide for litigants whose clients suffer from mental health or substance abuse conditions and are in immediate need of assistance. Participants will learn:
- How to effectively assess your client’s need for mental health and/or substance abuse treatment;
- How to select the appropriate treatment setting;
- How to navigate the court system; and
- How to effectively characterize and communicate the client’s level of participation in the treatment experience to the Court.
Living Well – One Day at a Time
Durga Leela, BA, CAS, PKS, Yoga Acharya
Our lives are made up of a bunch of days. How we live our days affects the course of our lives. This is why an optimal daily routine is so important – We are able to affect the macrocosm of a lifetime via the microcosm of a 24-hour cycle. This offers us tremendous healing potential and a way to address lifelong maladies, One day at a time!
This presentation will provide you with an understanding of the psychological issues associated with addiction and the recovery tools needed for a holistic mind, body and spirit approach for those affected by addiction and self-destructive behaviors.
Sponsored by Chopra Addiction and Wellness Center