time off from biglaw for drug rehab / treatment Forum

[Anonymous User]

Anyone willing to share their experience with taking time off from a big firm in order to treat a substance abuse problem? I'm a mid-level associate at a V20 firm and I've always been regarded as one of the "top" associates, but unfortunately that came at a price. It's reached a point where I need professional help, but I don't know what to do. Appreciate any advice from people who have been through this.

[Anonymous User]

I'm the anon from http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=264863 and the treatment program I went to for my PTSD and depression also had several patients there for substance abuse problems. I don't know what sort of treatment you're thinking of getting, but it's good that you want help. Here's my experience with taking leave for mental health issues, in case it's helpful.

The only people who have any idea why I was on FMLA leave are two HR reps, and everyone else has treated it like it's completely none of their business, other than support staff asking a few nosy questions. A couple of people have said things implying that their assumption is that I've been gone for a physical condition ("oh the blood drive is tomorrow, but I'll bet you're sick of having blood drawn" etc.).

Unless you don't have FMLA or have work issues to address that were affected by your addiction, if your firm is anything like mine people won't know or ask why you needed medical leave, so there won't be anything to explain.

I did NOT want people to know why I was gone and worried a ton about it for what turned out to be no reason. I just told everyone that I had some health issues I needed to take care of and would be out on medical leave. When people asked about how I was doing when I came back, I kept it polite but vague.

It's possible people I work with were more sensitive about not asking inappropriate questions because I'm in business lit that sometimes overlaps with employment law cases. The fact that I'm a woman may also have been helpful (for once) because of my mostly male colleagues not wanting to be embarrassed/uncomfortable it my health problems were with my reproductive system!

I really hope you're able to get the help you need and deserve. Good luck.

[Anonymous User]

My husband took over six months of leave (combination of FMLA, vacation, and just a generous unpaid leave policy) from i-banking to go to an in-patient substance abuse rehab program. It was a very difficult time in our lives, but both he and I could not be happier that he did this program. Like the above poster said, the only people who knew why he was out was someone in HR and me. And similar to you, he was a super top performing analyst. He came back to the same employer seamlessly and stayed there a few more years, but has since moved on to pursue a job more aligned with his long-term interests.

I would try to talk to someone you trust in your firm that has taken personal leave of any kind to get a sense of how it works. I ended up having to take a personal leave to take care of aging parents, and it was invaluable to talk to someone who had taken a personal leave (even thought it was for an entirely different reason). I didn't find it hard to come back after 4 months away FYI.

I agree with the above poster that if you say you were out for medical leave, most people won't pry further (although there is a sprinkling of idiots in law firms). It is like a signal to not ask more questions. Good luck and congrats for recognizing you need to get some assistance.

[AlanyaRose]

I'm a former drug addict. And for me rehab was quite easy as it was a quality rehab

[KiraMango]

We people are social species and it’s sometimes easier to share with your problem,then trying to struggle it yourself.

[Anonymous User]

I lost a personal friend, who was a successful lawyer, to substance abuse. He was super hilarious, and really smart. When things started to go pretty dark for him, I heard about it from a mutual friend and gave this lawyer a call using his cell number. No answer, voicemail left. A week went by. Called again. No answer. Text message. No response. Called again. No answer. Other friends kept confirming for me that he was around, but just not doing so great. I kept trying.

Then one day he overdosed and died. He had children and a wife.

The stress of this profession can kill you or at least contribute to conditions that will kill you. Please do get help. There is no shame in it. There are many of us fellow lawyers who care more about your life than about stupid law firm pedigrees, I promise. You will be supported.

[Buglaw]

Just wanted to say as someone who had a substantial drug problem in life, get help if you need it. Getting your life under control is much much more important than maintaining your current job or career. So hopefully your job is cool with it, but even if they aren’t, getting help is still the right call.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone willing to share their experience with taking time off from a big firm in order to treat a substance abuse problem? I'm a mid-level associate at a V20 firm and I've always been regarded as one of the "top" associates, but unfortunately that came at a price. It's reached a point where I need professional help, but I don't know what to do. Appreciate any advice from people who have been through this.

You must be going through a difficult time, and I am sorry for the situation you are in. When your performance is at stake, taking time off from work can be a problem.
From my own experience, I can tell you that biglaw firms surprisingly support employees who need help with substance abuse issues. My firm provided me with the resources and time off needed to get the help I needed. They also gave me access to confidential support networks and medical care. Of course, certain things need to be discussed before taking any action, so it's important to speak with your supervisor or the Human Resources department first.

[Anonymous User]

Delete. Missed that this was a botted revival.

[mardash]

Don't mean to make light of the advice, but this is a four year old thread. I think the two recent replies were maybe bots?