Idaho Lawyer Assistance Program

Alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental health problems are treatable illnesses that affect a great number of professionals, including lawyers and judges. A 2016 study by the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation found alcohol use disorders and mental health problems are occurring in the legal profession at higher rates than in other professions and the general public. Since many lawyers and judges tend to be overachievers who carry an enormous workload, the inclination to “escape” through the use of drugs and alcohol is prevalent in the legal community. These daily pressures can lead to inordinate amounts of stress and mental illness. National reports have shown that a majority of disciplinary problems involve chemical dependency or emotional stress. The effects can be devastating – both to the individual and to those around them. Fortunately, there is help.

You are not alone – if you are concerned about …

• Your own use of alcohol or other drugs
• The use of alcohol or drugs by a partner or associate
• A fellow attorney or judge who you see is affected by the use of alcohol or other drugs
• You or a fellow attorney’s inability to handle matters due to depression or other forms of mental illness

Ask Yourself the CAGE Questions

• Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your drinking (or drug use)?
• Have you ever been annoyed by criticism of your drinking (or drug use)?
• Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking (or drug use)?
• Have you ever had a morning eye-opener (used drugs/alcohol first thing in the morning to get started or to relieve withdrawal)?

… Contact the LAP for assistance.

• Idaho Lawyer Assistance Program Training Videos

Idaho State Bar CLE Programs

• Attorney Well-Being Panel Discussion – FREE CLE – 1.0 Ethics credit (May 2025)

American Bar Association Audio Webinar

• American Bar Association Audio Webinar: I’ve Got Your Back; You’ve Got My Ear: Suicide Prevention in the Legal Profession – Program Recording | Material

ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs – Resources

• Articles and Information

Model Law Firm Impairment Policy

Additional Articles & Informational Resources

• Convergence of AI and well-being
• Supporting Safety-Sensitive Workers with Alcohol Use Disorder
• Suicide Prevention Resources
• Stress, drink, leave: An examination of gender-specific risk factors for mental health problems and attrition among licensed attorneys
• Is there a Substance Dependent or Drug Addicted Lawyer in Life? And What to Do if There Is.
• December 2017 Wyoming Lawyer open letter from the President of the WY Bar – “The Conversation I Wish I Had”
• Lawyers with Depression Website
• What Does It Mean to Have a Serious Drinking Problem? – NY Times Jan. 31, 2020
• Suicide Loss Survivors Assistance
• Coping After Suicide Loss

Well-Being Resources

• Nearly two-thirds of lawyers have experienced burnout, research shows.
• About Barrister Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Mental Health Resources for the Legal Profession During COVID-19
• The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change (Oct. 16, 2017) *This CLE is for informational purposes only, CLE credit is no longer available.

Podcasts

• Attorney Mental Health and Wellness
• Loving Life as a Lawyer: How to Maintain Joy in Your Work
• The Gen Y Lawyer Podcast on Mental Health
• Voices of Recovery Series
• The Psychology Podcast: How to Be a Happy Lawyer
• ABA Asked and Answered: How Lawyers Can Bring Mindfulness Into Their Practice

**The above programming is intended for educational purposes only and does not meet mandatory continuing legal education requirements in Idaho. You will not receive CLE credit for viewing/listening.

Learn How to Better Manage Stress (FREE) – Friday, May 29, 2026 9:30 a.m.(MT)

“Unbar” Group of Alcoholics Anonymous

The “Unbar” group of Alcoholics Anonymous from the Washington State is welcoming members of the Idaho State Bar to join their community. This community offers support for attorneys, law students, paralegals, and legal professionals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction. The Unbar is an Alcoholics Anonymous group that meets every Wednesday afternoon from 1:15-2:30 pm Mountain Time via Zoom.

The Unbar has been around for decades and was founded by a group of attorneys who found that alcohol was their common problem. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. The Unbar is not affiliated with the Washington State Bar, the Idaho State Bar or any other organization apart from Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Unbar jealously guards members’ anonymity so that they can freely meet and discuss their recovery. Over the last several decades, hundreds of attorneys from large firms to solo practitioners to in-house counsel have participated in Unbar meetings and have gone on to the successful and sober practice of law serving their clients and community.

The Unbar is an Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program and is not a treatment program or medical resource, although it cooperates with such groups. Unbar does not report to treatment programs or employers, although on the request of a member the group secretary will sign attendance slips to show attendance at weekly meetings. Although the group originated in Seattle, it is now a statewide Zoom meeting and is welcoming Idaho attorneys, law students, paralegals and other legal professionals.

If you or someone you know in the legal community is suffering from alcohol abuse interesting in attending the Unbar Group, please email: unbarwa@gmail.com. Due to privacy concerns, we do not list our meeting credentials publicly. Your email will be replied to and meeting credentials will be sent to the email address that you supply.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Mack Mayo at mack.mayo@painehamblen.com.