THE ONTARIO LAWYERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Should I Ask for Help?

John had his usual morning headache. He also had his normal eye-opener of a shot of rye to clear his head. The shaking in his hands was better today but his wife told him that his mood was so foul that things had to change. It really annoyed him when she always criticized him, especially about his having a few drinks after work. He had tried to cut down and, really, he could quit anytime he wanted to. He just had too many things on his plate to add more stress. A drink helped him deal with the stress. Sometimes, though, he felt guilty about having too much. He had missed his son’s speech at school when he lost track of time in the bar after work. After his last binge when he had blacked out, he had tried to control the booze better.

Was he out of control? He did not know. A friend in his office asked him to get help because he cared about him. He suggested John call OLAP to talk about what was going on. John is scared but is going to call because he truly loves his wife and children and, strangely enough, enjoys the practice of law. All that seems to be in jeopardy. He heard that OLAP can refer him to a peer volunteer who understands and who will listen.    

To contact the OLAP Program Manager, Leota Embleton, please call 1-877-576-6227. To call the Volunteer Executive Director, John Starzynski, please call 1-877-584-6227.

All names and situations are fictional

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