Drinking with Anxiety and Depression

Most of us have heard the line that someone is having a drink, “just to take the edge off.” And in the short term, that might be true. Alcohol might relax you in the moment. However, for those in stressful professions (like the law) or those with pre-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression, the long-term impact might be more harmful than people realize.

Studies have shown that as alcohol use increases (either by amount or by frequency), it can cause episodes of severe anxiety and depression, or can exacerbate existing anxiety or depression. This can quickly become a harmful cycle that can lead to struggles with alcohol abuse.

A 2023 study on lawyer well-being in Massachusetts revealed that 42% of lawyers exhibited “unhealthy” alcohol use. This is similar to other studies on law well-being or on lawyer alcohol use. Indeed, along with above-average rates of mental health challenges, legal professionals often show above-average rates of alcoholism or substance abuse.

So, what can be done about this? One thing that can be done is to reduce the pressures of the profession and reduce the prevalence of alcohol at legal events, which is something we have talked about before. Beyond that, finding a safe, non-judgmental place to talk about these challenges can be the first step towards healthier behaviors.

If alcohol use is starting to interfere with your day-to-day activities, or even if you are just concerned about how much you might be drinking, reach out to us at The LegalMind Society. Our trauma-informed, non-judgmental approach can help support you and help connect you with additional resources. This can be especially valuable if you are struggling with frequent bouts of depression or anxiety or feel close to burnout. Email us at info@thelegalmindsociety.org to learn more.