Addictive Personalities

When we hear the word ‘addiction,’ we often think of drugs or alcohol. In truth, it can be anything. All something needs to be an addiction is an overwhelming impulse to engage in that behavior, usually to personal or professional detriment.

In addition to drugs or alcohol, other common types of addiction can be gambling, sex, shopping, and work, which might hit a nerve for some lawyers out there.

And in moderation, many of these things aren’t harmful. Work is necessary and happy hour on Fridays is a healthy outlet, but when your focus becomes the behavior, you are dealing with addiction. And because lawyers are often type-A personalities, they can be particularly prone to addiction, which is one of the reasons it runs like an epidemic through the profession.

In some cases, one addiction can give rise to another, such as when stress from a work addiction is self-medicated with drugs or alcohol. And when this happens, things can spiral downward fast. Yet it isn’t anything to be ashamed of.

Addiction is a medical condition. Acknowledging that without shame opens the door to seeking treatment. Like I said, some in the legal profession might be predisposed to addiction because of addictive personalities. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated.

The first thing to do is be honest. If you have a trusted friend or colleague, start there. Lawyer Assistance Programs or the support sessions offered by The LegalMind Society offer additional means of support. In most, if not all, states, a lawyer will not face discipline for a mental health condition if they are actively seeking help. Additionally, services like those offered by LAPs and here at the LegalMind Society are confidential and can be the first step out from the shadows of addiction.

In my time providing peer support, I’ve seen people in the darkness find brighter paths. And we hope that if you are dealing with addiction, that you can find that path as well.