Human beings are hardwired for interaction. Without supportive human interaction, we tend to go insane. Numerous studies of inmates subjected to long-term solitary confinement and prisoner-of-war isolation indicate that people who isolate themselves eventually become depressed and often turn to substance relief.

This is where COVID-19 is changing the landscape for everyone.

The long and demanding hours required of attorneys can be challenging for anyone, but even more so for a depressed, at-risk attorney. Lawyers tasked with billing 40 hours a week to make partner often have to be at work upward of 80 hours to meet that requirement. Dedicating this much time to a job can put enormous pressure on one’s family and personal life. Adding to this challenge, lawyers are nowforced to practice remotely, providing fertile ground for further isolation which can lead to alcohol and substance abuse. Being at home 24/7 can result in heavier and more frequent substance abuse, primarily because lawyers don’t have to go out in the real world and function. It is likely that those who were already abusing substances will go further, given the added stress of disrupted lives and legal careers.

The pandemic has put added stress on lawyers. We are creatures of habit. With the dramatic shifts in lifestyle we are experiencing, the ended old habits and freshly-learned new habits often result in a rise of addiction and depression. An old saying in Alcoholics Anonymous refers to the fact that broken shoelaces are the cause of many a relapse. In other words, the substantial problems in life are not what take us down; it’s the piling up of the smaller issues that slowly break us. In that vein, small changes in routine often result in a return to addictive behavior. Substance abuse professionals caution people struggling with addictions to be aware that these small changes could be challenging and to seek help and support if they feel tempted to relapse.

The struggle of attorneys with addiction is well documented. A well-known study by the ABA and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation identified 21% of the participating attorneys admitted to alcohol issues. In follow-up screening, that number increased to 36%. Furthermore, recent studies identified that 45% of attorneys experience depression during their careers. With such a significant depression rate among lawyers, it is no wonder that attorneys are highly at risk for addiction issues. This is because the thinking patterns of addicted attorneys are almost identical to depressed lawyers.

The path to addiction and depression is complicated and multifaceted. If you have an issue with substance abuse or know a colleague with one, be aware that these times are particularly challenging for people with addiction or depression problems.Lawyers should be even more observant of their behavior and that of their peers when the lockdown is lifted. Life could be even more challenging when we go back to work because there quite likely will be a “new” normal.

It is difficult for many lawyers to admit to their peers that they have depression or addiction problems. In fact, the personality traits that most likely contribute to a lawyer’s professional success, such as the tendency to be a perfectionist, competitive, and self-critical, may be the reason they suffer in silence.

Attorneys are also reluctant to approach a colleague who may be struggling because it is uncomfortable and they do not want to wrongfully accuse someone of alcohol or substance abuse. Luckily, there are resources to help lawyers understand and address addiction and depression issues better. For more information and resources, visit attorneyprotective.com/attorney-mental-health-and-substance-abuse-resources.