Eating, Sex, and Exercise Disorders in the Legal Profession - When Enough Isn't Enough

Food, sex, and exercise all may involve a variety of commonly enjoyed experiences that are healthy, essential parts of our lives. But when any of them become a major focus in your life, are difficult to control, and are disruptive or harmful to you or others, they may be considered part of a compulsive, disordered, or addictive behavior which, in turn, can affect your practice as a lawyer along with your life as a whole. What happens when enough is no longer enough?

No matter what it is called or the exact nature of the behavior, if it results in damage to self-esteem, relationships, law practice, or your physical and/or mental health, you may need help to manage it.

Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction, and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that one out of three attorneys will likely have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review symptoms and causes of eating, sex, and exercise disorders, including early warning signs

2. Discuss the physical, psychological, and social impact of these disorders on the individual lawyer, their family members, co-workers, and organizations/firms

3. Identify well-being strategies that really work, and the free services that Lawyers Assistance Programs provide to lawyers, judges, their family members, and law students

4. Examine the barriers that exist which prevent lawyers and judges from seeking the help they need

5. Emphasize the role that education plays in breaking the stigma and fear associated with addiction and mental illness in the legal profession.