Substance Abuse, Mental Health Issues Higher Among Legal Professionals Than Previously Thought; Younger Lawyers Most at Risk

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In a new study conducted by the American Bar Association, together with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, findings revealed that people working in the legal profession, such as lawyers and judges, are highly at risk of suffering from serious drinking problem and mental health issues.

The study noted that the level of drinking problem and mental health issues was more alarming than what was previously shown in earlier studies. And among those at risk, none more so than those lawyers under 30 and junior associates at law firms, according to Health News Line.

Furthermore, the authors of the study also pointed out that the rate of alcohol use disorders and mental health problems among those in the legal profession are higher as compared to other professions and the general population.

"These levels of problematic drinking have a strong association with both personal and professional characteristics, most notably sex, age, years in practice, position within firm, and work environment. Depression, anxiety, and stress are also significant problems for this population and most notably associated with the same personal and professional characteristics," the authors concluded.

For the study, the researchers took into account over 12,000 licensed legal professionals from 19 states across the United States. The participating legal professionals were asked about their mental health via a questionnaire.

The data showed that more than 1 in 5 of the respondents are at drinking levels that are considered "hazardous, harmful, and potentially alcohol-dependent." This level is three times higher than the rate of problem drinking among the general public.

The number of male lawyers suffering from alcohol dependency is higher compared to their female counterpart with 25.1 percent of practicing male lawyers compared to 15.5 percent of women. The study also showed that 31.9 percent of those who are aged under 30 and 31.1 percent of the junior associates at law firms also have serious drinking problem.

On issues of mental health, the study found that 28 percent of the lawyers are suffering from depression, 19 percent from anxiety and 23 percent experience stress. These numbers were all higher compared to those from the earlier studies, notes the ABA Journal.

"This long-overdue study clearly validates the widely held but empirically under supported view that our profession faces truly significant challenges related to attorney well-being," said Patrick R. Krill, director of the legal professionals program at Hazelden Betty Ford and a co-author of the study at a press briefing.

"Attorney impairment poses risks to the struggling individuals themselves and to our communities, government, economy and society. The stakes are too high for inaction," he added.