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In the next episode of Stop the Stigma, we talk to Paul Jacobs, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. In Paul’s own words, his addictions cost him virtually everything - his lucrative career, his marriage, and nearly his children. In his heart, he knew he was an addict, but it wasn’t until he was at his lowest point - -23 degrees below zero at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where a doctor told him his ear, nose, and throat system was irreparably damaged as a result of his cocaine use - that Paul accepted help, or surrendered.
What followed was an intense rehab process that finally got Paul sober, and today, more than five years clean, Paul helps other attorneys in crisis at TLAP. It’s important for Paul to be vocal about his addiction and recovery, he says, because it lets other attorneys know they’re not alone, they just need to ask for help. In retrospect, he says, if a lawyer he respected had shared their own story of recovery, Paul himself might not have felt so ashamed of asking for help. He hopes providing his story will make the difference for another attorney who is struggling.
Don't let costs stop you from getting the help you need. The Austin Bar Foundation offers the Justice Mack Kidd Fund to help pay for treatment of mental health disorders, like depression. Visit https://www.austinbar.org/?pg=justice-mack-kidd-fund
Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program offers the Sheeran-Crowley Trust also offers financial help in getting treatment for substance use and mental health issues. Visit https://www.sheerancrowley.org/
The Austin Young Lawyers Association Foundation offers the Personal Crisis Assistance Plan, which offers either $1,500 to help with practice-related financial obligations or helps coordinate with volunteers to oversee an individual's practice while he or she handles the personal crisis. To apply confidentially for financial or practice assistance, please contact Debbie Kelly at 512-472-0279, x105 or by email at debbie@austinbar.org.