Alcoholism Amongst Lawyers –why seeking help now may save your life

While there are benefits of drinking in moderation, which is classified as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, it is not without risk. Moderate drinking is linked to a reduction of the risk of developing heart disease and ischemic stroke; however, drinking too much has the opposite effect and can lead to an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, amongst other diseases.

In 2018 the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that 14.4 million adults suffered from Alcohol Use Disorder, or excessive drinking. Alcoholism is linked to a myriad of illnesses, death, and socio-economical consequences. The World Health Organization in 2014 reported that alcohol contributed to more than 200 diseases and injury-related health conditions – most notable weight gain, liver cirrhosis, cancer, suicide and violence. Additionally, excessive drinking has been linked to domestic violence and job loss.

Alcoholism in Attorneys

You may be thinking, “how does this effect lawyers?” Well, the American Bar Association reported that as many as one in five lawyers are considered problem drinkers. To put that into perspective, those numbers are roughly 3-5 times higher than the general population. Additionally, another 9% are reported to struggle with prescription drug addiction.

1 in 5 lawyers are considered problem drinkers…those numbers are roughly 3-5 times higher than the general population.

Yikes.

Nearly half of those who participated in the study reported that their drinking and substance abuse issues began in law school. This behavior stemming from both a desire to stay awake for long periods and to aide in falling asleep.

Double Yikes.

Unfortunately, these statistics aren’t all that surprising. Attorneys from all areas of practice are often subject to high stress situations, long hours and crushing law school debt – all of which contribute to depression, and more often than not, alcoholism and substance abuse. Therefore, it’s no surprise that alcoholism and substance abuse are believed to be contributing factors in 27% of attorney disciplinary actions in the united states every year*.

Bottomline – excessive drinking has lasting and harmful physical and economical effects on everyone, especially attorneys. However, if you aren’t convinced that you’re in the disbarment danger zone, here are a few more reasons to consider cutting back on the booze.

• Increased Energy

Alcohol is a known toxin that requires the body to go into overtime to metabolize and process the toxin. When this happens the heart and lungs pump at irregular speeds and the brain constantly tries to calibrate itself. This reaction to alcohol results in a depleted energy source and a groggy, sleepy feeling. Cutting alcohol from your diet allows your body to utilize this energy source for other things – aka more energy for post workday activities.

• Improved Mental Health

Reducing alcohol consumption increases mental health by reducing “moral hangover” which is known as the shame, guilt or remorse that follows poor choices from the night before. Over time this repetitive behavior can have a negative effect on one’s self image, moral and overall mental health. Eliminating alcohol from your lifestyle also eliminates the opportunity for alcohol fueled behavior to occur.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever embarrassed yourself after a night of drinking (slowly raises hand)– let’s reduce the frequency of those occurrences and boost mental health.

• Reducing Wrinkles and Looking Younger

Since alcohol is a diuretic it can dehydrate the skin and reduce its elasticity by depleting collagen levels.  Excessive alcohol use is also known to reduce the lifespan of the cells in the heart, liver and skin. This is directly linked to an increase in wrinkles, sagging skin, inflammation, redness and dark bags under the eyes. Replacing alcohol with water is a surefire way to rebuild collagen levels, reduce inflammation and prevent skin sagging.

Americans spend approximately $10,000 on alcohol each year.

• Saving (LOTS of) Money

On average 4.5 million Americans buy $200 USD worth of alcohol on a weekly basis. That’s approximately  $10,400 annually.

Friends, that’s a freaking car — or like two nice trips to Europe. #Mindisblown.

 Not only is alcohol consumption super spendy, but it can also lead to costly legal fees. Should excessive drinking result in a DUI, that $40 bar tab can end up costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars. In many states the fines associated with DUI increase with each new offense and are in addition to fines charged by criminal defense attorneys. Many insurance companies raise rates after DUI charges and can remain on your records for many years. A DUI can cost anywhere from $5k to $15k.

• Weight Loss

Alcohol consumption is linked to an increase in weight gain. Alcohol contains almost double the caloric content of most proteins and carbs and the body processes alcohol as sugar often storing the sugar in fat cells. Therefore, those who drink often carry more weight than those who do not. Additionally, binging on alcohol often leads to a ‘hangover” which is generally dehydration, low blood sugar and an inflammatory response to the immune system. 

When blood sugar is depleted, the body naturally craves carbs – leading bingers to eat greasy, high calorie food after a night of drinking. Reducing or eliminating alcohol from the diet helps stabilize blood sugar and hydration and also reduces the urge to eat unhealthy foods.

Whether you are struggling with excessive alcoholism, or just want to sober up to get your health in check – taking a break from alcohol can have a lasting impact on your mental and physical health as well as your social life.

If you need to speak to someone about your addiction issues, the American Bar Association has many resources, that can be found HERE.

** Attorney disciplinary actions can encompass sanctions, suspensions and disbarment – Oftentimes, leading to temporary loss of business or the complete revocation of the license to practice law.