Substance Abuse Among Lawyers: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

• Substance Abuse in the Legal Profession: Recent Trends and Statistics
• Risk Factors of Substance Abuse Among Lawyers
• Warning Signs of Substance Abuse
• Practical Tips and Resolution Strategies: Personal Self-Care
• Practical Tips and Resolution Strategies: Professional Self-Care
• Ethical Implications on the Practice of Law
• What Lies Ahead

Lawyers often face high-stress situations due to heavy workloads, strict deadlines, and the responsibility of representing clients. The immense pressure to achieve positive outcomes can become overwhelming which may result in emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout. Consequently, lawyers may turn to substance abuse as a temporary coping mechanism to alleviate stress, seek refuge from work-related pressures, or address emotional distress and underlying mental health issues.

To address the prevalence of substance abuse among lawyers, it is crucial to comprehend its root causes and the potential ethical pitfalls faced by attorneys. This understanding will facilitate the creation of strategic support systems and promote the significance of mental well-being in the legal field.

Join Attorney Carolyn Reinach Wolf, Executive Partner and Director of the Mental Health Law Practice at Abrams Fensterman, LLP, in New York State, Past President of the National Behavioral Intervention Team Association (NaBITA), and lecturer and consultant to healthcare, mental health organizations, and universities on the topics of mental health law issues, substance abuse, and workplace and student violence. Attorney Wolf was recognized this year as Lawyer of the Year for Health Care Law by The Best Lawyers in America?. She will lead an in-depth discussion of the prevalence and associated risk factors of substance abuse in the legal profession and will offer practical tips and strategies to address substance abuse among lawyers.

The Knowledge Group