ADDENDA by C. E. Ransick Editor
ALCOHOLISM Seven (7) happenings about the same problem at the same time clearly establish the need for affirmative action. Obviously, the Arkansas Bar Association, as a voluntary organization, will always be limited as to the scope of such action.
THE HAPPENINGS (1) On August 6, 1981, The Texarkana Gazette reports that an Arkansas Judge has been committed to an alcohol center. The Arkansas Gazette follows with a front-page article that Grand Juries in two counties are reportedly seeking his removal from office. (2) An Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee is authorized by Arkansas Bar Association President. Chairman Dean Morley is appointed, with membership to come from Past Presidents of the Association. Judge Morley is highly qualified to serve as Chairman. He has been Chairman of the State Commission on Alcoholism, Chairman of Arkansas Alcohol Abuse Advisory Council, member of the State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Authority, and member of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council. He has received an award from the U.S. DOT for outstanding community service in conjunction with the Alcohol Safety Action Program. The Association's Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse initially is charged only with the responsibility for developing the guidelines for the Association's program in this connection. If the proposed gUidelines are adopted, the Committee will be reorganized to carry on. Obviously, any participation by members seeking assistance will be
voluntary and in confidence. One great benefit to any such member will be that a fellow lawyer will look after his law practice during any absence for treatment. The publications of a number of Bar Associations carry articles by admitted alcoholics (anonymous) indicating that these programs are effective and helpful. (3) The American Bar Association's new MAP program published Package #1 on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs for Lawyers and Judges, an overview of the current activity in this area. It contains descriptions of individual programs at state and local levels illustrating different approaches to the problem, based on available resources, member needs and philosophy of the Bar. MAP Package # 1 has been ordered for consideration by the Arkansas Bar Association's new Committee.
If the ABA recognizes the need for its first MAP package to concern alcohol and drug abuse,then this problem for lawyers and judges must be national in scope. The solution for dealing with the problem, one might add, is vital! (4) On August 21,1981, a new 18cent U.S. postage stamp, declaring alcoholism to be treatable and curable, was issued. The stamp reads, "Alcoholism. You can beat it!" (5) In the Arkansas Gazette, August 24, 1981, Dr. G. Timothy Johnson, the syndicated columnist, writes: "Dear Readers: One of the most distressing things I continue to encounter are the needless tragedies that cost the lives of innocent people. I bring this up because I've heard recently of so many fatal acci-
1lIeohtiism You canbeatit! USA18c January 1982/Arkansas Lawyer/43