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58 Spring 2015 The Mississippi Lawyer What a fitting description of the active alcoholicaddict. Those of us familiar with the disease and those who have loved an addict can attest to its accu- racy. Sadly it can also apply to someone suffering with other untreated mentalemotional health issues like depression. Sounds pretty grim huh The good news solutions and assistance are available and success stories in recovery abound. The great news theres more so much more. Over and above the cessation of problematic behavior and the management of behavioral health issues there is definitely an upside. In fact there are many upsides for both the individual and those who surround him or her. The end of calamity is not the end of the story but merely the beginning. Trying to function while trapped with- in the walls of active impairment can feel like trying to move through quicksand. The brain of one currently suffering oper- ates very much like a muscle that is deeply contused. The basic activities of daily living become increasingly difficult to manage to say nothing of clients legal issues. Tasks that would typicallyideally take only minimal thought can seem insurmountable. As ones time in recov- ery builds refreshed and even improved mental clarity is frequently a welcome benefit. The mental energy previously burned trying to just keep going is redi- rected to much greater use. So many who struggle in addiction and other mentalemotional health issues describe the inability to be comfortable in my own skin. By practicing the prin- ciples of recovery we learn to take life on lifes terms and to practice acceptance both within and without. To feels that ones skin fits maybe for the first time is an incredible experience. Are individu- als in recovery always happy Of course not but weve come to know that it is a mistake to expect such. We learn to accept and be content with enough. Having learned to accept life on lifes terms and found some measure of con- tentment the individual in recovery has the chance to redeem their broken rela- tionships. This is certainly not always an option as some relationships are irrepara- bly torn but there is now a chance where there had been none. Hopefully the recovering individual has fresh clarity a willingness to accept responsibility and an awareness of healthy boundaries. When marshalled alongside willingness this can be a recipe for stronger relation- ships than could have been anticipated. Such revival is quite possible and may even be anticipated in personal and pro- fessional relationships so long as the individual attends to hisher program of recovery. This process may take time as trust may have been strained or broken but it can be and often is rebuilt. At LJAP we strive to be there to pro- vide necessary services and support for persons in need. It is such a powerful process and absolutely wonderful when it works. That power and wonder only increase as individuals continue their involvement with the recovering commu- nity and LJAP in particular as the upsides begin to unfold in their lives. If you are concerned that you or some- one you know may be in need of assis- tance please contact LJAP. All commu- nication in confidential and involvement with LJAP is voluntary. You should also call if you or someone you know has addressed issues of addiction or other mentalemotional illness but isnt seeing the upsides. Wed love to help. I For Confidential Help Call The Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program. 1.800.593.9777 LAWYERS HELPING LAWYERS The Upside The alcoholic is like a tornado roaring his way through the lives of others. Hearts are broken. Sweet relationships are dead. Affections have been uprooted. Selfish and inconsiderate habits have kept the home in turmoil. Alcoholics Anonymous the Big Book p.82 LAWYERS JUDGES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM C O N T A C T U S For confidential help call the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program at 1.800.593.9777 You can also visit our website Lawyers Assistance Program link on The Mississippi Bar website www.msbar.org