ALCOHOL/DRUG SELF-TEST​

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This series of questions about one's use of alcohol or drugs is an informal inventory of "tell-tale signs," with many items tailored to lawyers. It is not a list of official diagnostic criteria, and does not substitute for a professional evaluation (OLAP personnel can provide an evaluation in person).

• ​Do I plan my office routine around my drinking or drug use?

• ​Have I tried unsuccessfully to control or abstain from alcohol or drugs?

• ​Do my clients, associates, or support personnel contend that my alcohol/drug use interferes with my work?​

• Have I avoided important professional, social, or recreational activities as a result of my alcohol/drug use?

• ​Do I ever use alcohol or drugs before meetings or court appearances to calm my nerves or to feel more confident of my performance?

• ​Do I frequently drink or use drugs alone?

• ​Have I ever neglected the running of my office or misused funds because of my alcohol or drug use?

• ​Have I ever had a loss of memory when I seemed to be alert and functioning but had been using alcohol or drugs?

• ​Have I missed or ended conferences, court appearances, or other appointments because of my alcohol/drug use?

• ​Is drinking or drug use leading me to become careless of my family's welfare or other personal responsibilities?

• ​Has my ambition or efficiency decreased along with an increase in my use of drugs or alcohol?

• ​Have I continued to drink or use drugs despite adverse consequences to my practice, health, legal status, or family relationships?

• ​Do I ever feel fear, guilt, depression or severe anxiety related to my drinking or drug use?

• ​Are friends or professional associates avoiding me because of my alcohol or drug use?

• ​Have I been neglecting my hygiene, health care, or nutrition?

• ​Am I becoming increasingly reluctant to face my clients or colleagues in order to hide my alcohol/drug use?​

A "yes" answer to any of these questions suggests that it would be wise to seek professional evaluation (at OLAP or elsewhere), but may not indicate that you have a diagnosable addictive disorder. Evaluations of alcohol/drug problems should be done by a clinician with addiction credentials and/or experience working in an addiction-oriented setting.