It’s not uncommon for a person in a tough line of work to turn to substance abuse to manage their stress. Law careers can be especially demanding.
Law careers can be especially demanding. Lawyers often put in long hours for years while working on their cases. Despite the negative impact addiction can have on a person’s career, attorney substance abuse is more common than you think.
Contributing Factors of Attorney Substance Abuse
At our rehab facility in Massachusetts, we know that people who have more responsibility at their jobs are more likely to seek out drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the pressure. Two contributing factors to substance abuse in lawyers are work-related stress and their lifestyle.
Stress
Stress can drive a person to seek out the most outrageous and dangerous coping methods to help them get through their day. Many attorneys oversee high-level cases that can put someone in prison or even on death row. Although cases vary in severity, law careers are generally demanding. The pressure of knowing your performance can determine someone’s future can be overwhelming for anyone, regardless of how much experience you have in that field. Among the many lawyers and substance abuse statistics is a study that focused on attorney substance abuse in the United States. This study concluded that alcoholism among lawyers occurs at a higher rate than other professional populations. They also found that mental health is more prevalent among lawyers than in individuals in other professions.1
A few drinks a week can quickly turn into all-day binge drinking. When people have reached this point, they may be unable to stop binge drinking alcohol on their own, regardless of the effect it may have on their lives. At Banyan Treatment Centers Massachusetts, we offer an intensive outpatient program that allows patients to work or go to school while receiving addiction treatment.
Lifestyle
Attorneys are generally known for their large incomes and luxurious lifestyles. Many lawyers get paid top dollar for their services, allowing them to live comfortably. They’re also often a part of social circles with other wealthy individuals that may have access to certain substances. Elites and professionals are not immune to addiction and can usually afford to splurge on their substance of choice. This does not mean that every attorney struggles with substance abuse or that all wealthy people use drugs or alcohol. But attorney substance abuse can be considered a result of the combination of a stressful career and a high-end lifestyle.
At Banyan Massachusetts, we offer a corporate recovery program that is individualized to meet the specific needs of people who have demanding careers and can’t take time away from work for treatment. We know that work and other responsibilities can wear a person down and cause them to use substance abuse as a remedy. We strive to help our patients recover from addiction and advise anyone who abuses drugs or alcohol to get help immediately.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, call Banyan Treatment Center Massachusetts at 888-280-4763 to find out more about our programs.
Sources:
- Journal of Addiction Medicine- The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys
