ABA to partner with treatment center in study of attorney depression, substance abuse and anxiety
The American Bar Association’s Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs is partnering with a well-known treatment center to study attorney depression, substance abuse and anxiety issues.
Previous studies have shown that lawyers have a higher rate of alcoholism and depression than the general population and other professional groups, and it appears the number of lawyers struggling with such issues may be increasing, Patrick Krill tells the National Law Journal (sub. req.). He heads the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Legal Professionals Program, which is collaborating with the commission to conduct a research project on the rates of depression, substance abuse and anxiety among licensed lawyers throughout the U.S.
“We should celebrate this important collaboration,” Terry Harrell, who chairs the commission, told the legal publication. “Having well-conducted, current research on how these issues impact our profession will help us to better target our resources and provide the best assistance we can to our profession. In addition, this research will help inform the work of lawyer discipline, judicial discipline, lawyer admissions and all those providing treatment to judges, lawyers and law students.”
A press release provides further details.
