Feb. 3, 2016 – Is drinking a problem for you, or could it become a problem? Do you have symptoms of depression or anxiety? If the answer is yes, you are not alone.
A landmark study of approximately 13,000 U.S. lawyers and judges in 19 states, including Wisconsin, recently revealed high rates of substance abuse, mainly alcohol, as well as depression and anxiety. It also identified reasons that lawyers may be hesitant to seek help.
A collaboration between the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the study’s findings were released this week in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.
Linda Albert, manager of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Lawyer Assistance Program (WisLAP), was one of the study’s authors. In this video, she talks about the key findings, why lawyers are hesitant to seek help, and what the study means moving forward.
“This is the first empirical study of its kind in the last 25 years,” says Albert.
The February Wisconsin Lawyer features the study’s findings and the barriers to seeking treatment. In the article, “Landmark Study: U.S. Lawyers Face Higher Rates of Problem Drinking and Mental Health Issues,” legal writer Joe Forward talks with three Wisconsin lawyers about their struggles with problematic drinking and mental health issues, and dispels some of the myths associated with seeking help.
Highest Rates Among Young Lawyers
In this video, Albert reports that 21 percent of the lawyers and judges surveyed scored at a level consistent with problematic drinking -- more than triple the general population – and much higher than physicians and surgeons who took the same test. Levels of depression and anxiety were also much higher than the general population.
One of the study’s key findings was the higher levels of problematic drinking among younger attorneys with fewer years of experience. Previously, the common view was that substance abuse and mental health issues worsened as lawyers aged.
If we address mental health concerns in the same way that we address physical health concerns, people will get the help they need.
“We don’t really know why, but we can certainly take a look at factors that younger lawyers are struggling with,” said Albert, noting that many young lawyers are carrying high student loan debt or delaying important life decisions based on finances.
Nearly 32 percent of those age 30 or younger identified as problem drinkers, and the rate gradually decreases with age and experience. Rates of depression and anxiety were also highest among younger attorneys. In some cases, substance abuse and mental health issues co-exist. On the whole, 28 percent of lawyers reported depression.
Lawyers Hesitate to Get Help
Albert said the study also surveyed the barriers to seeking treatment. She said the data reveals that lawyers generally fear that seeking help will have adverse impacts.
“A confluence of factors could contribute to a higher rate of behavioral health concerns amongst legal professionals,” Albert said. “It’s a high-stress profession.”
Landmark Study: U.S. Lawyers Face Higher Rates of Problem Drinking and Mental Health Issues
Click on infographic to view larger version.
The first empirical study in 25 years confirms lawyers have significant substance abuse or mental health problems, more so than other professionals or the general population. And many lawyers are not seeking the help they need, for the wrong reasons. Researchers hope this data will promote change within the profession.
Read the feature in Wisconsin Lawyer.
But Albert said the messaging that lawyers receive place barriers on their impetus to seek help. “They think it will negatively affect their license or their ability to be admitted if they get help. That’s not necessarily true. Getting help is a good thing.”
The problems arise when lawyers don’t seek help, she says, and the condition eventually leads to errors or violations of the Professional Rules of Conduct for Attorneys. Seeking help is a way to improve one’s fitness to practice law, she said.
“Not addressing it could impact their license, or potentially for law students, impact their ability to be admitted. If we address mental health concerns in the same way that we address physical health concerns, people will get the help they need,” Albert said.
Albert says that all stakeholders in the legal profession – bar associations, regulators, law schools, employers, and assistance programs – must work hard to change the message on seeking help. Lawyers need to understand that it’s the best option.
“Now we have good reliable data, so the implication for the legal profession is really to take a look at this from a systemic perspective,” Albert said. “We need all aspects of the legal profession to take a look at what we can do to help struggling lawyers.”
For the State Bar’s part, Albert noted that WisLAP is a confidential assistance program for lawyers, judges, and law students. “The State Bar has a lot to offer its members in regards to the issue of maintaining one’s fitness to practice,” she said.
“We have over 200 volunteers who are there to give back to their colleagues, and provide support and guidance on a confidential basis for any legal professional that might be needing a consult or maybe just wants some more support.”
“As attorneys work on their health and wellness, they will be more fit to practice, they will have fewer problems with professional responsibility or meeting their ethical obligations,” said Albert. “But this isn’t just an issue for lawyer assistance programs. This is an issue for all aspects of the legal system if we are going to make a big impact.”
WisLAP: A Helping Hand – 24/7
The State Bar’s Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) provides confidential assistance to lawyers, judges, law students, and their families who are coping with problems related to the stress of practicing law.
Early identification of impairment;
Consultation and referral to appropriate treatment resources;
Referral to a trained peer assistant –– an attorney who has committed time to assist a struggling colleague by providing support, understanding, and guidance;
Intervention and motivation to seek help;
Information and consultation for those who are concerned about a legal professional.
Call the 24-hour helpline at (800) 543-2625 or contact WisLAP Manager Linda Albert by email or by phone at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6172.
