When lawyers enter addiction recovery, they often see firsthand how much damage addiction has caused them. Not only have they alienated loved ones and put their professional careers in jeopardy, but they also realize they have been putting innocent people at risk. Lawyers, who face what ought to be a rare privilege of dedicating their lives to helping others, by taking on cases that affect the fate of people they hardly know, can easily be overwhelmed with the consequences of their illness. Becoming and staying sober may come with a unique set of challenges, but it is well worth it for these dedicated professionals.
Lawyers with addiction issues often isolate themselves from others or shift the responsibility onto the people in their lives. For those recovering from addiction, it is important to be honest and open with loved ones and peers. Recovering lawyers need to be willing to accept help and be honest when setbacks occur. It is also important that lawyers understand that only by acknowledging the addiction will they be able to move forward and take the appropriate steps to ensure they are living a sober lifestyle.
Lawyers with addiction may be hesitant to acknowledge their issues publicly due to fear of judgment or professional repercussions. Fortunately, more and more law firms are making the effort to provide counseling and mental health services to their attorneys. Organizations, such as Lawyers Helping Lawyers, have put measures in place to provide assistance to lawyers suffering from addiction. These organizations are also committed to providing resources to help the recovering lawyer move forward and make a successful transition back into the legal field.
The recovering lawyer should also set realistic goals and expectations when navigating their recovery. As they move through the recovery process, lawyers must keep in mind that their peers and colleagues may not understand all of their struggles or why the recovery process takes so long. It is important to remember that overcoming addiction is a process and takes time and patience.
It is also important to take into account the influence of the law on society at large. As recovering lawyers, it is vital that they strive to use their privilege to help change the stigma associated with addiction and alcoholism so that others in better positions than they are do not have to suffer. Recovering lawyers can also use their capacity to advocate for greater access to addiction treatment services and more comprehensive licensing requirements and continuing education related to addiction awareness and education.
The recovery of a lawyer can positively influence countless lives. When lawyers gain greater access to comprehensive rehabilitation programs and better self-care practices, those in the legal profession will become more transparent and accountable, and the effects of addiction will become less calamitous and more manageable.
Overall, lawyers seeking recovery cannot do it alone. Enlisting the help of friends, family, and peers while being honest is vital. Taking the proper steps to ensure that each client is given the best care possible is just one way lawyers can use their recovery to support others. Building support systems and setting realistic goals that can be achieved will help lawyers in recovery stay on the road to success. Finally, by committing to changing public perceptions, recovering lawyers can make a lasting impact in combatting addiction in the profession.