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Substance abuse, mental health rates higher than average among US attorneys

Hazardous substance use, depression, anxiety and stress were significantly reported among American attorneys, according to recent findings.

“Little is known about the current behavioral health climate in the legal profession. Despite a widespread belief that attorneys experience substance use disorders and other mental health concerns at a high rate, few studies have been undertaken to validate these beliefs empirically or statistically,” Patrick R. Krill, JD, LLM, of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and colleagues wrote. “Although previous research had indicated that those in the legal profession struggle with problematic alcohol use, depression, and anxiety more so than the general population, the issues have largely gone unexamined for decades.”

To measure rates of substance use and other mental health issues among American attorneys, researchers evaluated a sample of 12,825 licensed, employed attorneys from 19 U.S. states. Study participants completed surveys assessing alcohol use, drug use, depression, anxiety and stress.

Overall, 20.6% of participants screened positive for hazardous, harmful and potentially alcohol-dependent drinking.

Men, younger participants and those working in the field for a shorter duration had a higher proportion of positive screens (P < .001).

Age group predicted Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test scores. Participants aged 30 years or younger were more likely to have a higher score than their older peers (P < .001).

Mental health issues were significant among the cohort, with 28% reporting depression symptoms, 19% reporting anxiety symptoms and 23% reporting stress symptoms.

“Attorneys experience problematic drinking that is hazardous, harmful, or otherwise generally consistent with alcohol use disorders at a rate much higher than other populations. 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,” Krill and colleagues wrote. “Greater education aimed at prevention is also indicated, along with public awareness campaigns within the profession designed to overcome the pervasive stigma surrounding substance use disorders and mental health concerns.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Krill reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.