I have been practicing law now for 14 years. I have a wife and a young daughter. I consider myself a very lucky person. I have so many things to be thankful for in my life like my family, friends, work colleagues, work and health. I am also very grateful to the Lawyers’ Assistance Program, or “LAP”. I don’t know that I would be where I am today if it wasn’t forLAP.

In June of 2008, I was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. I had an accident and I severely injured three people. That arrest was the bottom point of a life-long struggle I had with alcohol.

I tried so many times to quit on my own. It would never last. I would always revert back to drinking. I experienced broken relationships, worrying my family, losing respect of friends and peers and poor health. I was not long for this earth.

The day after I was released on bond while my criminal case was pending, I called LAP because I wanted help. I didn’t want to drink anymore. But I didn’t know how to stop. LAP referred me immediately to a LAP volunteer for support. LAP also set up an in-person conference with me so that I could fully discuss my situation and come up with a plan for recovery. With the help of LAP, I entered into a treatment program for substance abuse. I also became part of a support group which I maintain participation in to this day.

Today I have more than five years of sobriety. I have also become a trained intervenor/ volunteer for LAP. As such, I am called upon from time to time to help follow colleagues in crisis. I see this as an opportunity to pay back LAP for the gift that I’ve been given. That gift is my sobriety.

Julio