Substance abuse and mental health in the legal profession have recently been in the headlines – and for good reason. Substance abuse and addiction are two of the primary health concerns in the United States and the concern is even greater in the legal profession. The National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) estimates that 10% of the U.S. population is alcoholic or chemically dependent and the abuse may be as high as 20% in the legal profession. Since substance abuse and addiction often leads to mental health issues, it’s not surprising that suicide is the third leading cause of death amongst lawyers after cancer and heart disease.
Join Susan Brown as she provides insight about the epidemic of substance abuse, addiction and suicide in the legal profession. The main issues covered include the stressors that contribute to depression, addiction & suicide in the legal profession, the symptom profiles of depression, PTSD & substance abuse, the signs of addiction, where to get help and how to get help. Further issues addressed include the “culture” of the legal profession, the result of stressors, perfectionism, DSM-V symptoms of depression, symptoms of secondary traumatic stress, “the solution,” alcohol & other substances, CAGE screening, addictive thinking, consequences of addiction in the legal profession, “real lawyers don’t ask for help,” suggested solutions, the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP), the “Other Bar,” Lawyers Helping Lawyers and using EMDR therapy for trauma & addiction treatment.
Susan Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Board Certified Diplomate (BCD). She has been in private practice in La Mesa, California, since 1987 and her areas of expertise include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mood disorders, substance and behavioral addictions, and marriage counseling. Mrs. Brown specializes in a treatment approach called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., in 1989. She is a Certified Approved Consultant through the EMDR International Association. EMDR is an efficient, effective, and extensively researched therapy for clearing out and resolving negative traumas. She is often called in by attorneys to work with clients that have suffered severe trauma.