The media in Florida reports that a criminal defense attorney there has been disbarred for
drug use and other misconduct. She admitted
to using methamphetamines, cocaine including crack, ecstasy, LSD; and taking Adderall, Xanax,
and Oxycodone without a prescription. She also had sex with her
clients and phone sex with inmates.
For some
attorneys, the legal profession has an unsustainable professional culture. How bad is it? Attorneys suffer from alcohol use disorders
at a rate much higher than the general population or in other professions. A recent study by the Hazelden Betty Ford
Foundation and the American Bar Association’s Commission on Lawyer Assistance
Programs reveals that 21 percent of working attorneys qualify as “problem
drinkers,” 28 percent deal with depression, and 19 percent struggle with
anxiety issues. In comparison, 6.8
percent of adults nationwide suffered from an alcoholic disorder in 2014.
Drug abuse is also a problem for attorneys. One site reports that 1) 18-20% of lawyers
abuse drugs, and 2) 25% of lawyers facing disciplinary actions are found to be
abusing drugs or alcohol, and suffering from a mental disorder.
Why? In many law firms
attorneys carry heavy workloads that require working 60-80 hours per week. It should come as no surprise that this leads
to significantly high rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Drugs and alcohol provide an unhealthy means
of escape from daily problems.
Return to Substance Abuse CLE.
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