MIDLIFE HEALTH & WELLBEING: Addiction in the legal profession

“The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s connection” Johann Hari

Lesley Edelstein

The prevalence of addiction among middle-aged lawyers and associated professionals in the UK is an issue of growing concern. As practitioners navigate the pressures of their demanding careers, the lack of balance between work and personal life can lead to substance abuse and other addictive behaviours. The legal profession, known for its high stress levels, often sees individuals resorting to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. This not only affects their personal health but also has significant implications for their professional responsibilities and family dynamics.

Statistics reveal that approximately 20% of lawyers experience problematic drinking, with middle-aged professionals particularly affected. Additionally, around 25% of lawyers report suffering from anxiety or depression, conditions often linked to substance abuse. These figures highlight the urgent need for the legal profession to address mental health and addiction issues comprehensively.

Misconceptions about addiction

• addiction is an option
• overcoming addiction is merely altering attitudes towards a substance or behaviour
• addiction is self-indulgence
• addicts do not look/live/behave like you

Addiction affects the brain, altering its normal function and structure. The brain’s reward system is influenced by substances such as alcohol and drugs, which cause the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to pleasure and reward. The same areas of the brain are affected in behavioural addiction. Drinking alcohol, taking drugs, compulsive scrolling, addiction to social media and gambling all trigger the same neurotransmitters. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on these substances to release dopamine, leading to dependency. This hijacking of the brain’s natural processes makes overcoming addiction incredibly challenging.

Ending use of substances does not mean underlying issues are resolved. The nature of addiction manifests in other guises, such as working harder/longer. Now addiction is masquerading as high achievement or engaging in “admirable” pursuits. When others applaud these activities (ie via social media) feelings of euphoria are akin to the feelings felt in active substance abuse.

The compelling voice of the hijacker

Sitting in the recesses of the mind, poised for the next opportunity to strike, is the dark figure of addiction. Every thought, every event, has the potential for the hijacker to lead you to your addiction of “choice”. The hijacker drives lies and self-isolation.

Viewing addiction (the hijacker) as separate from the person might be helpful for the reader to avoid judgements or frustration.

So persuasive is this voice that someone under its influence will have suffered significant loss and regret.

The most common regret for those who have battled addiction is the loss of time with loved ones, the one thing that can never be regained or repaired. Consider how long one spends scrolling, one can easily lose an hour that only feels like minutes.

Shame and guilt are emotions prevalent in those who are enticed into addiction. Not feeling good enough, remorse over past experiences, and shame brought on by covert behaviours are but a few of the factors that lead the person to succumb to the voice of addiction.

Onset of addiction, biological and behavioural components

At some point, the “chosen” addiction will have solved a superficial issue such as social anxiety or improved self-perception. Over time the “remedy” was relied upon more generally and applied whenever there was a difficulty, real or imagined. Furthermore, the amount of substance or time spent on behavioural addiction needs to increase as tolerance to the “solution” increases.

On the other hand, addiction is frequently normalised within families and social groups. During the 1980s and 1990s, binge-drinking culture became so prevalent that many individuals experienced drinking as part of social conditioning. Young people of the day were exposed to the glamorisation of drinking represented in TV and advertisements. As societal norms change, so do ideas of acceptable versus unacceptable behaviour. Today, we belong to a society that values exercising to excess and constant self-exposure on social media because neither makes demands on the healthcare system, yet both are forms of addiction.

Addiction extends beyond substance abuse or harmful behaviours such as gambling. It includes any activity that is prioritised over healthier alternatives. Addiction is sometimes characterised by the compulsion to seek external stimuli to rebalance unregulated emotions and stress. It is often used as a coping mechanism to deal with childhood trauma. Both substance abuse and addictive behaviours serve to numb pain, and distract from feelings of adversity, stress or various forms of physical, emotional, mental abuse or neglect. The need for connection, validation and care is often eclipsed by addiction, resulting in isolation that can be as harmful as drinking.

A word of caution, junior members of the legal profession often look up to their senior counterparts for guidance and motivation. During this process, they may adopt certain practices and behaviours associated with a culture of alcohol consumption. The lifestyle of legal professionals involves a fast pace and high energy, commonly associated with demanding professions and individuals with advanced education.

Challenges for legal professionals and clients

The challenges faced by middle-aged lawyers grappling with addiction are multifaceted. One major hurdle is the stigma surrounding addiction, which can lead to denial and reluctance to seek help. The fear of damaging their professional reputation or facing legal scrutiny can prevent lawyers from admitting they have a problem and seeking the necessary support. Furthermore, the addict at this point has become adept at covering up behaviour which has in turn become an intrinsic part of self – “this is what I do”.

Another significant challenge is the impact on personal relationships. Addiction can strain family life, causing emotional distress and conflict. The elevated expectations placed on lawyers can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy, further complicating their recovery journey. Additionally, the financial burden of addiction, including the costs of treatment and potential loss of income, can add to the stress.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, support and intervention. By fostering a culture of openness and providing accessible resources for mental health and addiction, the legal profession can help its members overcome these obstacles and lead healthier, more balanced lives.

Legal professionals also face challenges when working with clients experiencing addiction.

Challenges you will face:

• fluctuating levels of capacity
• covert behaviours, lies, excuses, unreliability
• using everything (real or otherwise) as a reason to partake in their addiction
• when the client relapses you will not see/hear from them. In remission they may re-engage until the process becomes stressful, then they may disappear again
• distortions of memory and decision making

The prefrontal cortex regulates behaviour and cognition. Memory and decision making is distorted as the prefrontal cortex is damaged by drink or drugs. Studies have shown that alcohol can be a gateway to high-risk behaviours, including drug-taking and self-harm. It is advisable to refer the client to appropriate services (a list is provided at the end of the article).

Identifying the signs

Denial is common in addicts influenced by their inner voice, making it hard to acknowledge certain tendencies, such as:

• avoiding situations where you will not be able to drink
• losing time to drinking over more beneficial activities
• making excuses
• hiding behaviours or evidence of drinking, such as empty bottles
• craving and thinking about alcohol
• health deterioration, low energy, lowered interest or engagement
• becoming shorter tempered or experiencing empathy fatigue
• looking less vital or unusually unkempt

To book a training session on Addiction in the Legal Profession, or to talk further about any concerns relating to addiction contact:

[email protected]

For support

Alcoholics Anonymous www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk 0800 9177 650

Support for drug use www.ukna.org 0300 999 1212

www.talktofrank.com 0300 123 6600

Addiction family support www.addictionfamilysupport.org.uk 0300 888 3853

In crisis 24/7 call the Samaritans 116 123