The following publications are free. If you would like to request a copy, please call Robert Lang at 202/662-1785 or e-mail your request to: LangR@staff.abanet.org.

Lawyers and Substance Abuse Prevention
The Committee has collaborated with the Office of Drug Control Policy to produce a brochure entitled "Lawyers and Substance Abuse Prevention." The brochure covers the consequences of substance abuse such as economic costs, engendering violence and crime and eroding the social fabric. It points out that lawyers are in a position to encounter people who are in the grips of addiction and gives pointers on how to spot it. Furthermore the brochure outlines the importance of treatment and enumerates the ways in which lawyers can help through their practices and through their bar associations. Supplies of this brochure have been exhausted, but permission has been granted for its reproduction and distribution. Click here to read the brochure.

Lawyers and Teen Substance Abuse: How to Deal with Drug Use and Drinking
The Office of National Drug Control Policy and the American Bar Association are pleased to present a joint brochure, “Lawyers and Teen Substance Abuse.”  This document serves as a guide for addressing youth drug use and underage drinking.

Although drug use among young people has declined substantially over the past two years, youth substance abuse is still far too common.  Research shows that youth substance abuse can lead to a host of health consequences and poor decision-making that may jeopardize a young person’s future. 

Teens report that they use drugs and alcohol because they want to: relieve boredom, feel good, forget their troubles and relax, have fun, satisfy their curiosity, take risks, ease their pain, feel grown-up, show their independence, belong to a specific group, and to look cool.

But lawyers and other legal professionals can make a difference.  Before they come into contact with young substance abusers through the criminal justice system, lawyers can participate in substance abuse prevention programs and serve as positive role models.  It is also imperative that lawyers intervene early when they know or suspect a young person is using drugs or alcohol.  Knowing the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use will help you identify the problem.  Knowing the resources in your community will help you refer the teen to experts for assistance. 

This brochure is designed to serve as a resource for lawyers who are willing to make a difference in their communities by working to ensure the health and safety of young people.  To read the brochure, click here.

Reducing Community Drug Problems, Doctors and Lawyers Working Together
This brochure was produced by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Substance Abuse and the American Medical Association.  It discusses the Problem of community Drug Problems, the costs, needs and solutions to the problem.  To read the brochure, click here.

Truancy, Literacy and the Courts: A User's manual for setting up a Truancy Intervention Program
The connection between illiteracy and substance abuse as well as crime has been well known for a long time. And yet truancy from school, where the problem begins, has proven to be difficult to change. This manual describes in detail the components of a successful truancy intervention program in Louisville, Kentucky, and the procedure for setting up a similar program, through the courts. The experience at sites of similar programs in Baltimore, Phoenix and Kansas City enriches the text. The intention of the manual is to provide practical guidance to educators, jurists and other professionals who are interested in arresting illiteracy in the early stages. If you wish to review the manual, click here. For those who want to know more about Judge Byer's work, click here.

ufcrepor.pdf (766 kb)Unified Family Courts: A Progress Report
Released at the 1998 "ABA Summit on Unified Family Courts: Exploring Solutions for Families, Women and Children in Crisis" , this report is designed to assist those learning about unified family courts for the first time and for those who have established them but want to improve their legal systems. It provides a brief description of unified family courts throughout the country, including the court's formal name, its location, jurisdiction, case volume, social services delivery and noteworthy characteristics.

Drug Courts: A Manual For Planning And Implementation by Judge Jamey H. Weitzman
This manual is designed to identify issues to be considered in planning and implementing a drug court program. The topics discussed and examples provided are not meant to be exhaustive but are intended as a supplement to independent inquiry and examination.

abaguide.txt (198kb) - Download
Lawyers As Volunteers...Addressing Substance Abuse and Violence In Communities Program Guide by The Special Committee on the Drug Crisis
The most effective strategies for addressing substance abuse and drug-related violence are those that are comprehensive and that involve all sectors of the community. This program guide provides examples of programs that can be implemented by members of the legal profession, as well as by nonlawyers, at the local level and within the structure of a community coalition. It also provides examples of programs designed to address the many other social service, employment and health needs that persons with addictions often face.

monogra.txt (161kb) - Download
Attorney's Guide to Drugs in the Workplace by ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law and ABA Standing Committee on Substance Abuse
This monograph originated at an ABA symposium in October 1994 at the George Meany Center of Labor Studies in Silver Spring, Maryland. The "Attorney's Guide" is a balanced document intended to help foster informed policy choices by systematically reviewing options and consequences. It addresses considerations when: deciding whether to create a DFWP; choosing a strategy for implementing a DFWP; researching legal and discretionary issues; designing and operating a biochemical testing program; and providing for rehabilitation and recovery.