by Kay Will, Staff Writer
When a law student daydreams about their future career, they probably understand that while this profession can be quite rewarding, being a lawyer comes with major challenges. Struggling to maintain a work-life balance because of long hours and clients’ heartbreaking stories are the challenges many law students may anticipate. However, there exists a larger issue that plagues thousands of lawyers—this problem is the alarming rate of alcohol and substance abuse among those in the legal field.[1]
A recent study revealed 21 percent of lawyers and others currently working in legal professions demonstrate drinking habits that rise to the level of “problem drinking.”[2] Data showed that 36 percent of lawyers struggle with alcohol abuse[3]—this is well above the general adult population’s alcohol abuse rate of 6.8 percent.[4] Of the lawyers struggling with alcohol abuse, almost half of their drinking issues began during their first 15 years in the legal industry, which includes their time in law school.[5]
Lawyers also tend to struggle with abusing prescription medication at an alarmingly high rate.[6] Nine percent of attorneys surveyed met the criteria for prescription drug abuse.[7] Some lawyers who abuse prescription medication consume alcohol at the same time, putting them at increased risk of dependence or even overdose.[8] However, statistics surrounding illicit drug abuse by lawyers are less reliable, as most people who use illicit substances do not admit it.[9]
While not true for all lawyers suffering from substance abuse, said abuse often begins in law school.[10] Many students arrive at law school unprepared for the stressful situations they encounter throughout their legal education.[11] Some law students develop mental health issues such as anxiety or depression as they are thrown in to the rigorous, competitive environment of law school.[12] Alcohol and substance abuse are known to occur more frequently in individuals with mental health disorders.[13] Some students use alcohol and other illicit substances to self-medicate.[14] Such problems may grow as law students transition into careers in the legal field.[15] Other factors known to influence alcohol and drug abuse among legal professionals include perfectionism and debt.[16]
Alcohol and substance abuse problems among lawyers is also a cultural issue, which makes it considerably harder for lawyers to recognize when they begin to develop problems.[17] The culture of the legal field appears to embrace social drinking more than other professions.[18] Additionally, spending time around other attorneys who abuse alcohol and substances normalizes overconsumption and abuse.[19]
There are no straightforward, easily achieved solutions to this growing issue. However, being aware of these patterns in the legal profession can help law students and lawyers alike recognize when an alcohol or substance abuse problem starts to develop in either themselves or those around them.
[1] Henson, Priscilla. “Drug & Alcohol Rehab Guides for Addiction & Mental Health.” American Addiction Centers, 21 Oct. 2022, https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] “Why Alcoholism Rates Are so High for Lawyers.” Center for Professional Recovery, 19 Oct. 2018, https://www.centerforprofessionalrecovery.com/why-alcoholism-rates-are-so-high-for-lawyers/.
[5] Henson, Priscilla. “Drug & Alcohol Rehab Guides for Addiction & Mental Health.” American Addiction Centers, 21 Oct. 2022, https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide.
[6] Id.
[7] Id.
[8] Id.
[9] Id.
[10] Olson, Elizabeth. “High Rate of Problem Drinking Reported among Lawyers.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 Feb. 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/05/business/dealbook/high-rate-of-problem-drinking-reported-among-lawyers.html.
[11] “Why Alcoholism Rates Are so High for Lawyers.” Center for Professional Recovery, 19 Oct. 2018, https://www.centerforprofessionalrecovery.com/why-alcoholism-rates-are-so-high-for-lawyers/.
[12] Id.
[13] Henson, Priscilla. “Drug & Alcohol Rehab Guides for Addiction & Mental Health.” American Addiction Centers, 21 Oct. 2022, https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide.; “Why Alcoholism Rates Are so High for Lawyers.” Center for Professional Recovery, 19 Oct. 2018, https://www.centerforprofessionalrecovery.com/why-alcoholism-rates-are-so-high-for-lawyers/.
[14] “Why Alcoholism Rates Are so High for Lawyers.” Center for Professional Recovery, 19 Oct. 2018, https://www.centerforprofessionalrecovery.com/why-alcoholism-rates-are-so-high-for-lawyers/.
[15] Id.
[16] Olson, Elizabeth. “High Rate of Problem Drinking Reported among Lawyers.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 Feb. 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/05/business/dealbook/high-rate-of-problem-drinking-reported-among-lawyers.html.; “Why Alcoholism Rates Are so High for Lawyers.” Center for Professional Recovery, 19 Oct. 2018, https://www.centerforprofessionalrecovery.com/why-alcoholism-rates-are-so-high-for-lawyers/.
[17] Olson, Elizabeth. “High Rate of Problem Drinking Reported among Lawyers.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 Feb. 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/05/business/dealbook/high-rate-of-problem-drinking-reported-among-lawyers.html.
[18] Id.
[19] Id.
