Drink and drugs problems on the rise for lawyers

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by Change | 8 Oct 2008

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There is an increasing problem of alcohol and drug addiction in the legal professions, a report has suggested.

alcohol abuse among lawyers and legal professionals is increasing partly due to work-related stress, it has been reported.

Legal Business is to publish a survey bringing to light the widespread use of cocaine and alcohol in the industry, according to the Times.

The report describes the situation as "endemic", with problems including "cocaine clubs", with partners and their clients sharing drugs on a social level, but with firms claiming to be unawares to the problem.

It was found only half of companies had a formal policy relating to drugs or alcohol, with only nine per cent conceding to having taken action against employees abusing substances.

Jim Baxter, editor of Legal Business, told the Times: "Our survey has found that lawyers are increasingly turning to hard drugs, both in and outside the workplace."

He also says "it's no secret" that over-indulgence in alcohol occurs in the profession.

In other news, Mark Hepburn, counsellor at the Alexander Clinic at Oldmeldrum told the Press and Journal addiction is all about "loss of control", which can relate to alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions.

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