Opinion ID: 2207566
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Addiction

Text: The Hearing Committee found there is clear and convincing evidence that Respondent was addicted to prescription drugs during the period of his misconduct. Its conclusion was based on the testimony of Dr. McAllister, Ms. Makepeace, and Dr. Burbach. Dr. Ratner questioned whether Respondent was addicted, noting the absence of prescription records to support such a claim. And, although expressing doubts concerning Respondent's addiction, Bar Counsel did not except to the Hearing Committee's finding. The Board also questions whether Respondent met his burden of proof on this issue in view of the paucity of documentary evidence and the heavy reliance by Respondent's experts on little else but representations of Respondent. However, the Court need not find that Respondent was not addicted to prescription drugs.