What Drug Do Lawyers Use Most?
Drug use is a pervasive issue throughout the legal profession in the United States. Substance abuse, particularly amongst attorneys, is a major health and professional issue that must be addressed with urgency. It’s no secret that some of the stress and pressure lawyers are exposed to can lead to serious mental health pitfalls as well as the possibility of drug and alcohol abuse. But which drugs do lawyers use most?
Cocaine is by far the most commonly used recreational drug amongst attorneys. This powerful stimulant has been found to have a particularly strong influence on those in legal professions, with the latest studies showing that lawyers between the ages of 21-30 are 81 percent more likely to abuse cocaine than any other career demographic. The energy-enhancing high brought on by cocaine perfectly fits the demand that most lawyers’ job requires them to be “on” and efficient for prolonged hours on end. The immediate and short-lived boost of energy and heightened concentration that cocaine provides is considered by some to be an indispensable tool when finishing paperwork or preparing for a court appearance.
Alcohol is the next most commonly abused drug amongst lawyers and oftentimes can be abused in conjunction with cocaine. The prevalence of alcohol use disorder amongst the legal profession is exceptionally high, with a 2015 study finding that 20 percent of lawyers in the United States suffer from alcoholism. More than any other reason, alcohol is used by lawyers to self-medicate the stress and anxiety that they are forced to face day in and day out. Consuming alcohol in the evening has the potential to make lawyers less anxious, more sociable, and able to disengage from the pressures of their jobs.
Prescription stimulants are the third most widely abused drugs by attorneys, with Adderall and Ritalin highly sought after by lawyers due to their ability to erase fatigue and increase cognitive functioning. These drugs are legal and often prescribed for attention deficit disorder or narcolepsy, but many that are near the legal profession have access to them without ever having a diagnosable condition. Adderall in particular has become a sort of super drug amongst lawyers; allowing them to work through the night and complete tasks that would normally take weeks in only a few hours.
Marijuana is also a frequently abused drug amongst attorneys. The beneficial effects of marijuana include improved sleep, reduced chronic pain, and heightened creativity, all of which can be highly advantageous to lawyers when the workload becomes too much. But, not all lawyers use marijuana at their own discretion – some are allowed legal access to medical marijuana if they prove that they possess a certain medical condition that could be alleviated with marijuana, such as chronic pain or depression.
Ultimately, it is impossible to generalise which drugs are most commonly abused by lawyers. Whilst some lawyers are drawn to stimulants like cocaine and prescription medications, others may seek comfort in the calming effects of alcohol or marijuana.