Stigma Amongst Lawyers Posted in Rehab’s New Blog

Madeira Beach, FL - In their latest blog post, Tranquil Shores explains how stigma impacts the legal profession in Florida. Despite being among the top 10 professions in Florida for suicide and 36% of them having an alcohol use disorder, many lawyers do not want to attend treatment due to stigma. In all of Florida, 2,642,000 people were diagnosed with a substance use disorder in 2021. However, 2,247,000 did not receive treatment for one reason or another. The most common reason is stigma.

“Stigma may make it more challenging to get help. Those who do not understand what you are going through may reflect beliefs that you are beyond help or judge you because of the disorders. You may experience harassment or isolation and may receive fewer opportunities to advance in your professional life. As a result, this may create a fear within yourself that prevents you from seeking treatment,” the blog post states.

Stigma is the harmful views and beliefs someone might have regarding substance use or mental health disorders, and it comes in two forms: public and self. Public stigma is what people in the community, family, friends, media, and colleagues believe about substance use and mental health disorders. Common beliefs that fall under public stigma include that people with these disorders are dangerous, weak, unable to do their jobs, or unable to recover. In turn, people with these disorders may be less likely to be given opportunities for advancement in their careers.

This can lead to self-stigma, which is the belief an individual has regarding substance use and mental health disorders. Self-stigma can lead to denial and a reluctance to receive help because their current situation may not align with the misconceptions. In some cases, they might believe they are weak or unable to complete their job tasks. Over time, this can result in lower self-esteem. They may believe treatment won’t help them because they are beyond recovery.

A study found that the most common reasons lawyers list for not attending a treatment program for a substance use disorder were concerns about others finding out and privacy and confidentiality policies, which could indicate stigma being involved. Lawyers who do not receive treatment and try to hide their substance use or mental health disorders may experience an overdose, criminal activity, or disbarment. These can all be avoided by taking the time to receive treatment and experience recovery.

There are some ways that a person can reduce stigma within the legal profession. It won’t happen overnight and will take more than one person. However, with time and community, this profession can have less stigma. Education about mental health and substance use disorders is one of the ways that will help reduce stigma. When people understand what is true, it can lower their beliefs of stigma. Sharing one’s story can change the narrative if someone has found recovery. Each time a successful recovery story is shared, it changes the stigmatized beliefs. The vocabulary people use can carry the weight of stigma and imply that people are defined by their disorder. So instead of words like “addict,” opt for words like “a person with a substance use disorder.” Finally, encourage others to attend treatment. The more lawyers who decide to attend treatment for a substance use or mental health disorder, the less stigmatized these conditions become in the legal profession.

“Having a mental health or substance use disorder is not a sign of weakness and a lack of being able to do the career you once enjoyed. Attending a treatment program tailored to the needs of lawyers allows you to heal and regain your dedication to law,” the blog post continues.

Tranquil Shores is located on the beach and has direct access. They have a 3:1 client-counselor ratio, ensuring their clients receive the dedicated and individualized care they deserve. They also allow their clients to keep and use their laptops and phones. This will enable clients with professions like lawyers to continue working as they stay at Tranquil Shores for treatment.

To learn more about Tranquil Shores and their services, visit their website or call them at 727-391-7001. Tranquil Shores offers the peaceful and private treatment one deserves.

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For more information about Tranquil Shores, contact the company here:

Tranquil Shores
Stacey Regan
727-391-7001
s.regan@tranquilshores.org
Tranquil Shores
4300 Duhme Rd
Madeira Beach, FL 33708