Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Alcohol and substance use have long been endemic in legal business and social culture, often beginning during the famously stressful law school experience and continuing into practice. The work of attorneys (and judges) is demanding, fast paced, and exhausting, and many practitioners turn to alcohol or drugs because they believe they relieve stress and help them relax and disconnect from the pressure they face at work. In addition, some people may turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate an underlying mental health condition or to numb themselves from the effects of grief or trauma.
Is alcohol and/or substance use a problem for me or someone I know?
In answering this question, the key factor is impact. Namely, ask yourself: is my drinking or drug use negatively impacting my life in some/any way? Are my personal and work relationships being affected? Am I missing events due to being sick or hungover? Does it take more to get me buzzed or drunk than it used to? Do I have to work really hard to limit my intake?
Other signs to consider:
- Inability or difficulty limiting the amount of alcohol or drugs you consume.
- Feeling a strong “need” to drink or use.
- Needing to drink/use more than before to feel the same effects.
- Drinking/using alone or in secret.
- Drinking/using at work, including at lunchtime.
- Hiding your drinking/using or lying about it to family and friends.
- Making a ritual of having drinks or consuming substances at certain times and becoming distressed if the ritual is disturbed or questioned.
- Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, or intentionally getting intoxicated to feel good.
- Not remembering conversations or commitments made when drinking/using.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (i.e. nausea, sweating, shaking) when you don’t drink or use.
- Conflict with friends or family over how much or how often you’re drinking/using.
- Problems with work productivity, finances, or relationships due to drinking/using.
Note: not all people who have struggled with alcohol use the label “alcoholic.” Indeed, even infrequent alcohol consumption can still cause significant difficulties in a person’s life. The term or language used to describe a person’s drinking is not as important as their behavior and how it impacts their life.
If you would like to discuss your or another person’s drinking or substance use, or to find out more about treatment or resources, please call or text MAP’s 24/7 confidential helpline at (207) 266-5951.
