This is a guest blog by Nicole Roder, LCSW-C, a bilingual DBT therapist in Bethesda, MD, certified by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification. She is intensively trained in DBT, DBT prolonged exposure for PTSD, DBT for parents, couples, and families, and DBT for substance use disorders. In her practice, she treats adults and adolescents with BPD, PTSD, DMDD, SUD, and related disorders.

As a therapist who treats addictions, I have seen many people who use alcohol to cope with high-stress jobs. I have also seen people suffer terrible losses when that coping mechanism becomes an addiction. Fortunately, there are well-researched treatments that can help attorneys overcome addiction. Let’s take a look at the data on addiction among lawyers, the consequences of addiction, and some resources that might help overcome the problem.

Data on Addiction Among Lawyers

Statistics paint a concerning picture of alcohol abuse and addiction among lawyers. A landmark 2016 study by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation revealed that nearly 21% of lawyers were considered problem drinkers, with the number rising to over 36% when more specific questions were asked. This indicates that a significant portion of the legal workforce is grappling with alcohol-related issues, which often begin early in their careers, including during law school. The prevalence of such problems is not limited to any specific age group. It affects both young and older attorneys.

What’s more, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues. The pandemic forced courts everywhere to close and made it much more challenging to communicate with clients. Already overworked lawyers suddenly had to learn new technology and virtual courtroom practices to do their jobs. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal PLOS One, the pandemic caused adverse effects on several wellness measures for lawyers, possibly resulting in significant reductions in service provision and efficacy for clients. The rates of substance abuse, alcohol use, and stress among attorneys all went up significantly. These factors were even worse among criminal lawyers.

We must have a discussion about alcohol abuse and addictions within the legal profession. Understandably, lawyers with drinking problems don’t like to talk about it publicly. It carries a lot of stigma and the threat of losing one’s career. Unfortunately, the secrecy makes it difficult for struggling people to seek help. It’s time we bring this issue to light and break down the barriers to treatment and support. Addressing this addiction crisis among attorneys is not only crucial for the well-being of the individuals affected but also for the integrity of the legal system as a whole. It’s time for the legal community to prioritize the health of its members and foster an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

Consequences of Untreated Addiction

As a therapist who treats people with addictions, I have seen individuals who sought treatment soon after they began drinking problematically. And I’ve also seen people who waited decades to get treatment. As you can imagine, the people who waited the longest experienced the worst health outcomes. And it’s also true that any amount of excessive drinking can hurt an attorney’s health and well-being.

Numerous studies have found that drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of suicide, sexual assault, and other types of violence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people who have imbibed too much are also at serious risk for injuries such as car crashes, falls, drowning, and burns.

In the long term, the evidence shows that untreated alcohol addiction can cause heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and gastrointestinal problems. It also weakens your immune system, making you more likely to get sick. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), addiction-level drinking over a long time can also lead to several types of cancer, memory problems, depression, and anxiety. Not to mention social issues and family upheaval.

As if the health problems weren’t enough, untreated addiction also leads to many professional repercussions for lawyers, extending far beyond the individual attorney to affect clients, colleagues, and the integrity of the legal system itself. When an attorney suffers from addiction, their ability to perform their duties diminishes. They may miss deadlines, show up to court unprepared, or make critical errors in judgment. This negligence can result in severe consequences for their clients, who depend on their lawyer’s expertise and diligence to navigate the complexities of the law. Clients may lose cases, face unjust penalties, or suffer financial losses due to their attorney’s impaired performance. The trust between client and attorney, which is fundamental to the legal profession, is irreparably damaged when an attorney’s addiction interferes with their work.

The ripple effect continues as colleagues and the broader legal community are impacted by one attorney’s struggle with addiction. Colleagues may be forced to take on additional work, cover for the addicted attorney’s shortcomings, or rectify mistakes, leading to increased stress and potential burnout. This can create a toxic work environment, erode team morale, and strain professional relationships. Furthermore, the legal system relies on the ethical and competent practice of law; when addiction goes untreated, it undermines the system’s credibility. Disciplinary actions against attorneys for misconduct related to addiction are not uncommon, and such cases can tarnish the reputation of the legal profession as a whole.

Watch the panel discussion below with Stephanie Villinski, Deputy Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, and Patrick Krill, JD, LLM., MA, Principal and Founder of Krill Strategies, and Bree Buchanan, JD, MSF, also from Krill Strategies, two global leaders in the study of health and well-being of the legal profession. Buchanan and Krill share data from their research on attorney mental health and substance abuse and discuss its implications for lawyers, clients, and public trust in the legal profession. The panelists also provide recommendations on realistic practices that all lawyers—from BigLaw to solos—can implement to support their health and well-being and the effective delivery of legal services, in this panel discussion.

Barriers to Seeking Help

There are several significant barriers to seeking help for attorneys. First, substance abuse carries a notable stigma in the legal profession. Many lawyers fear seeking help could tarnish their reputations and career prospects. This concern is compounded by the competitive nature of the field, where any perceived weakness can be seen as a liability. The legal community often values toughness and resilience, and admitting to a problem like addiction can be viewed as a failure to meet these standards.

In addition, attending an addiction treatment program could be a threat to an attorney’s license and job security. A lawyer’s professional status is contingent upon maintaining a clean record. In a survey of law students, a significant number cited the potential threat of bar admission and job or academic status as reasons for not pursuing help for substance use disorders. This barrier is particularly daunting for those early in their careers, who may feel they have more to lose by coming forward.

Finally, the demanding nature of legal work can be a barrier to treatment. Long hours and constant deadlines leave little time for personal care, let alone the commitment required for effective treatment and recovery. The pressure to be always available and perform at a high level can make it difficult for attorneys to take the necessary time off to address their addiction. Moreover, the culture of the legal profession, which often includes social events where alcohol is present, can make it challenging for individuals to avoid triggers and maintain sobriety.

Resources and Recovery

Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options that are available to legal professionals suffering from addiction. Some of them are specifically tailored to attorneys.

Here are some specialized treatment options:

1. Detox Programs: Some people with addictions have become so physically dependent on alcohol (or another drug of choice) that they will suffer dangerous withdrawal symptoms if they stop cold turkey. In these cases, I recommend starting your recovery in a detox program. This is not a standalone treatment for addiction. Instead, it’s a place where attorneys can safely withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision.
2. Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient treatment for addiction is commonly referred to as “rehab.” These are home-like facilities staffed with therapists, doctors, and nurses who provide addiction treatment in a structured environment. Some rehabs are specifically tailored to attorneys so they understand the pressures of the legal profession.
3. Outpatient Treatment: This might be the third stop for an attorney who started an alcohol detox program, or it might be the first step for someone who began treatment before their addiction went too far. It usually involves seeing a therapist who specializes in addiction treatment. The best outpatient addiction programs offer individual and group therapy.
4. Legal-Specific Support Programs: The American Bar Association (ABA) maintains a database of Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAP). LAPs provide confidential services and support to lawyers and law students who suffer from addiction or mental health problems.

Conclusion

In the face of the daunting challenges posed by alcohol addiction within the legal profession, it is incumbent upon the legal community to take a proactive stance. They must foster an environment where seeking help is not only accepted but encouraged. To attorneys grappling with addiction: you are not alone, and your courage to seek assistance is a testament to your commitment to your personal health and professional duty. I hope that lawyers can collectively strive to create a culture of support and understanding where the well-being of attorneys is held in as high regard as the legal services they provide. Take the first step—reach out, speak up, and champion a healthier future for all attorneys.

Resources:

Lawyer Assistance Programs provide confidential services and support to judges, lawyers and law students who are facing substance use disorders or mental health issues. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact your state or local LAP by looking at the “Directory of Lawyer Assistance Programs” which provides a list of contact information for LAPs throughout the U.S.

If you or someone you love is facing an addiction, call 988 to reach the SAMHSA helpline. It is a 24-hour service that can direct you to treatment near you.

Further Reading:

“When Drinking to Escape Has You Trapped: A Look at Alcohol Use in the Legal Profession,” by Patrick Krill, JD, LL.M., MA

“36% of Lawyers Have a Drinking Problem: Attorney Mental Health in Focus,” by Lisa Willis

“Confronting Addiction in the Law Firm,” by Link Christin, JD, MA, LADC