Addiction In Lawyers

Substance Abuse In Legal Professionals

Substance abuse, particularly alcohol abuse, is prevalent in legal professionals. A study of nearly 13,000 attorneys by Hazelden Betty Ford and the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs revealed that 36.4% were hazardous drinkers and 20.6% were problem drinkers.

Studies also show that, when compared to other careers, including medical professionals, lawyers have higher rates of drug and alcohol misuse. Overall, lawyers with substance use issues also had higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Why Do Some Attorneys Develop An Addiction?

Being an attorney means working on stressful cases, with much pressure from the individuals or companies they defend or prosecute. There are also many demanding job duties, including researching, interviewing, and planning cases. Preparing for trials or other court-related activities requires many attorneys to work long hours. All these factors can lead to burnout. To cope with burnout, lawyers may drink alcohol or use drugs. The more they use substances, the more likely it is that they will develop an addiction.

A study on occupational burnout and engagement revealed that burnout among lawyers includes three elements:

• Overwhelming exhaustion
• Feelings of cynicism and detachment from the job
• Sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment

Mental health symptoms also play a role in attorneys who misuse substances. In the same study, attorneys participating reported the following:

• 28% had depression
• 19% had anxiety

Other issues may include financial matters, impaired family or friend relationships, and work-life balance. They may also struggle with recruiting clients or employees, adapting to new technology, maintaining competitiveness in the industry, and keeping up with evolving laws and regulations.

Drinking or using drugs may ease the pressures at first. Stimulants may help some attorneys work longer hours without sleep or help them focus. Alcohol may help reduce tension and promote relaxation. Various drugs offer different effects. When an attorney continues to use substances, they develop a tolerance, and over time, they may develop a dependence. Both make it more likely that someone will become addicted to the substance.

Signs Of Addiction In Lawyers

While some lawyers may be high-functioning and find a way to continue working effectively when misusing drugs or alcohol, most will exhibit specific signs of addiction. Look for signs such as the following:

• Giving excuses for work-related issues
• Changes in behavior
• Being defensive when asked about changes
• Reduced productivity
• Missing deadlines or appointments
• Borrowing money
• Arguing with coworkers or clients

Some of the physical signs to watch for include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Tired or disheveled appearance
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Strange smells
• Excessive sweating
• Forgetfulness
• Confusion

Attorneys who misuse substances may end up with legal consequences of their own, such as DUIs or DWIs. They may also report relationship losses, financial woes, and loss of other things that were once important to them. Addiction does not discriminate, and even high-functioning people will eventually show signs of a much bigger problem.

Consequences Of Substance Abuse In Legal Professionals

Lawyers are encouraged to use the Legal Assistance Program to seek treatment for alcohol or drug use problems. Entering treatment can help attorneys maintain their role within a firm. If an attorney does not seek treatment and does not recover from their addiction, they may face consequences that hinder their professional and personal life, including the following, according to Rule 10 of the American Bar Association (ABA):

• Disbarment
• Suspension
• Two-year probationary period
• Reprimand
• Admonition
• Restitution
• Court costs

Consequences vary for each attorney because every situation is unique. They range in the severity of addiction, impacts on their job, ethical issues, injuries to themselves or others, law violations, and many other factors.

The Prevalence Of Addiction In Lawyers

The Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession reported on the characteristics of legal professionals with addictions. They analyzed the results of a study and found the following:

• More men (20.6%) than women (15.5%) are problem drinkers
• Those under the age of 30 were the highest group of problem drinkers
• Junior associates were the highest group of problem drinkers
• Alcohol was the most used substance (84.79%), followed by tobacco (16.87%) and sedatives (15.71%)

Those working in private firms, the bar administration, and lawyer assistance programs had the highest rates of alcohol misuse. Unfortunately, only 6.8% of all the attorneys surveyed sought addiction treatment.

Barriers To Treatment

The number one barrier to drug and alcohol treatment for attorneys is likely the stigma associated with getting help. Attorneys must uphold a positive reputation in their community, and some may view seeking therapy as a potential stain on their reputation that could deter clients from hiring them for representation.

Lawyers may also fear a lack of confidentiality or privacy, despite having privacy rights protected by state and federal governments. Another barrier may be the cost of treatment. However, insurance companies must pay for behavioral health services in the same manner as they would for any other medical services, according to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.

Support For Legal Professionals With Addiction

Legal profession assistance programs can help attorneys find the support they need, including addiction treatment. Attorneys can expect access to multiple levels of treatment care, including:

Inpatient Detox

Inpatient detox is for attorneys who may experience painful or dangerous withdrawal symptoms when detoxing from drugs or alcohol. They can receive supervised medical care, including medication-assistance therapy, to ease withdrawals and curb cravings.

Inpatient Or Residential Rehab

Many people discharge from detox and enter inpatient rehab to continue medication-assistance therapy and participate in individual and group activities to learn necessary recovery skills to avoid future relapses.

Partial-hospitalization (PHP) Or Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Many attorneys can continue working and living at home while getting the addiction treatment they need through PHPs and IOPs. They can receive medication-assisted therapy, relapse prevention, family therapy, and peer support necessary for long-term recovery.

What To Expect In Treatment

At any level of care, an attorney can expect to receive confidential treatment. Treatment centers offer the following evidence-based therapies:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness-based CBT (MB-CBT)
• Contingency management (CM)
• Couples therapy and family therapy
• Holistic therapy
• 12-step facilitation
• Co-occurring disorder treatment

Treatment length varies for each individual based on their recovery needs. Detox takes a week or less, while inpatient rehab can last from several weeks to several months. The more time someone spends in treatment, the stronger their recovery skills and the more likely they are to avoid relapses.

Explore These Featured Centers

Find A Treatment Center Today

If you are an attorney misusing alcohol or drugs or struggling with an addiction, help is available. You can get the addiction treatment you need to get back to working as a professional in the legal field. Even if you are facing sanctions, there are licensed mental health and substance abuse professionals who can walk with you through the process.

Finding the right treatment center involves contacting a lawyer assistance program or a local treatment facility specializing in addiction. When contacting a treatment program, ask the following:

• How do you protect the confidentiality of attorneys?
• What types of payments and payment plans do you accept?
• Does my insurance cover treatment expenses?
• What types of therapies are available?
• What are the credentials of the professional staff?

Some attorneys enter higher-end, luxury treatment centers that allow them to continue working while receiving intensive treatment. Luxury treatment centers cost significantly more than traditional programs, but they offer numerous amenities, including private rooms. Explore our luxury treatment center directory to find high-end rehabs.

At any treatment center, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation to determine your unique treatment needs and an individualized treatment recovery plan. No matter how long you have been using drugs or alcohol, and no matter how mild or severe your addiction, you can get help. Contact a treatment provider today or explore our rehab directory to start your recovery.