Lawyers are at a high risk for problem Gambling.

HERE'S WHY:

• Lawyers are among the professionals most likely to suffer from stress and depression, which plays a role in the development of problem gambling behavior. Attorneys are under constant pressure to meet deadlines, keep clients informed of the status of their cases, help clients with personal issues, etc.  With today’s technology, clients email, text, and call their attorneys’ cell phones 24-hrs a day.  The pressure of trying to help solve your clients’ problems can be overwhelming, which can lead to relying on gambling as an escape from all of that pressure.
• Lawyers are risk takers. The legal profession is often a high risk, high reward environment, which may lead to other risk taking behavior, such as gambling.
• Lawyers often have access to large sums of money, such as client trust accounts, retainers, settlement proceeds, etc.
• Lawyers are at a heightened risk (twice the rate of the public populations) for alcohol and drug misuse and dependency, which leaves them at risk for co-occurring addictions, such as gambling.

To make a preliminary determination about whether you may have a gambling problem, ask the following questions:

1.     During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable, or anxious, when trying to stop/cut down on gambling?

2.     During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?

3.     During the past 12 months did you have such financial trouble as a result of your gambling that you had to get help with living expenses from family, friends or welfare?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, it may indicate a problem. If you think you may have a gambling problem, you can call or text 1-877-770-STOP. The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is toll-free and confidential.