SELF-TESTS
These self tests are not diagnostic in nature. Please contact the Iowa Lawyers Assistance Program for a confidential and free assessment.
ALCOHOL/DRUG SELF-TEST
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 (ILAP personnel can provide a confidential and free 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 ILAP 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.
This series of questions concerns one's mental well-being. Answer "yes" or "no" to the statements below. This self test is not a substitute for a professional evaluation (ILAP personnel can provide a confidential and free evaluation in person).
If you answered "yes" to five or more of these statements, and you have felt this way everyday for several weeks, there is a good chance you are suffering from depression and should call us today to make an appointment to see us.
If you answered "yes" to the last statement, you should seek help immediately, regardless of your answer to any other question.
DEPRESSION SELF-TEST
- I am unable to do the things I used to do.
- I feel hopeless about the future.
- I can't make decisions
- I feel sluggish or restless.
- I am gaining or losing weight.
- I get tired for no reason.
- I am sleeping too much or too little.
- I feel unhappy.
- I become irritable or anxious.
- I think about dying or killing myself.
ADDITIONAL SELF-TESTS
If you are in need of help or are concerned that an attorney, judge, or law student has an issue that might be interfering with their personal or professional lives, there is confidential help.
Iowa Lawyers Assistance Program
REACH OUT TO US
CALL ILAP TODAY FOR CONFIDENTIAL HELP: (800) 243-1533
When I needed help, ILAP was there for me.
ILAP's weekly, confidential, and virtual
AA meetings are held Thursdays at noon.
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VIRTUAL AA MEETINGS
- ILAP Program Participant
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