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The Addictive Lawyer
The addicted lawyer by Brian Cuban; my book review.
As attorneys, judges, and even law students, those in the legal profession play a uniquely pivotal role in the proper functioning of society, the economy, and government. We have an important job to do, and for that one practical reason, we really shouldn’t be drunk or high. Given the nature and importance of our work, it doesn’t require complex analysis to arrive at that conclusion.
Unfortunately, as new research has confirmed, a staggering number of us are engaged in problematic substance issues and struggling with significant levels of mental health problems. It had long been suspected that attorneys experience considerable levels of substance use disorders and mental health concerns, but sufficient actionable data on legal professionals and substance use has been slowly and inexcusably lacking until 2016.
This data is a fundamental prerequisite to effectively talking about, tackling, and providing attorneys with the resources and support they need to effectively serve the public. In the January-February 2016 issue of the journal of addiction medicine, a new landmark study conducted by the Hazelden Betty Foundation and the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistant Program COLAP confirmed a sub-financial level of behavioral health problems among attorneys and revealed significant public concern. This study represents the first ever nationwide study of substance and alcohol use in the legal profession. It includes analysis of lengthy survey responses from approximately 15,000 licensed, currently employed, lawyers and judges in 19 states and across all geographic regions of the country.
The results are alarming. In addition to the alarming rate of problem drinking and depression, the study demonstrates that these problems are widespread and systematic, affecting all practice settings, all age groups, all experience levels, and all work environments, from the most rural to the most urban.
Published on 2 days, 9 hours ago