A Lawyer's Addiction
A Lawyer’s Addiction: A Personal Look at Substance Abuse in the Legal Profession
The legal profession is often idealized as one of control, intellect, and discipline. Yet, beneath this polished exterior lies a sobering truth: lawyers face some of the highest rates of addiction and mental health struggles of any profession. In this compelling conversation, Brian Cuban, author of The Addicted Lawyer and an advocate for addiction recovery, joins host Joel Cohen to shed light on the profound challenges of substance abuse within the legal field.
At the heart of the discussion is Cuban’s deeply personal story of addiction and recovery. A practicing attorney for many years, Cuban candidly shares how substance abuse, compounded by stigma and a culture of overachievement, nearly destroyed his career and personal life. From attanding law school while battling alcohol and drug dependency to the pivotal moment that led him to seek recovery, Cuban’s story is a powerful reminder of the human vulnerability often hidden beneath professional success.
Cuban also addresses systemic issues within the legal profession that perpetuate addiction. Studies reveal that around 20% of licensed attorneys qualify as “problem drinkers,” with rates reaching closer to 30% among those in practice for less than a decade. This is a crisis Cuban attributes to a culture that discourages vulnerability, prioritizes image over well-being, and stigmatizes seeking help.
The conversation moves beyond personal narratives to explore solutions. Cuban emphasizes the importance of breaking through the stigma surrounding addiction and leveraging resources like Lawyers’ Assistance Programs, which are confidential by law but often underutilized due to mistrust. He also highlights the role of law schools and firms in fostering healthier environments by addressing the pervasive “work hard, play hard” ethos that often begins long before entering the courtroom.
This interview is a wake-up call for the legal community to address its addiction crisis head-on. As Cuban powerfully states, “Breaking the cycle requires confronting not just the addiction, but the culture that allows it to thrive.”
Brian Cuban is a Dallas-based attorney, recovery advocate, and author of The Addicted Lawyer: Tales of the Bar, Booze, Blow, and Redemption.
