Page 10 - MayJune25 Report

Recognizing the Signs
Helping Colleagues
Struggling with
Substance Use
Disorder
By Scott R. Mote, Esq.
At the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program (OLAP), we
frequently receive calls from lawyers, judges, profes-
sors, law students, law office staff, and others who are
concerned about a colleague. They start recognizing that their
colleagues are missing deadlines, withdrawing from social inter-
actions, and showing signs of physical exhaustion. It becomes
clear to them that these colleagues are likely battling a mental
health or substance use disorder (SUD), and they reach out to
OLAP for guidance.
We all know that the legal profession is one of the most
demanding career paths, often characterized by long hours, high
stress, and immense pressure to succeed. While these challenges
can foster professional growth, they can also take a toll on mental
health and increase the risk of SUD.
By calling OLAP, the concerned colleagues are taking a step
in the right direction to help the person in distress. Recognizing
the early warning signs of substance abuse and understanding
how to support colleagues in need is critical to fostering a healthy
workplace culture. Beyond individual well-being, these efforts
strengthen the overall legal profession by promoting a culture
of accountability, reducing turnover, and enhancing team
performance.
It’s important for all of us in the profession to understand
substance use disorder, recognize the signs and symptoms, and
learn how to help a colleague in need.
Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders often develop as a response to chronic
stress, trauma, or unmanageable workloads. The legal profes-
sion’s competitive nature can exacerbate these risks, leading some
lawyers to turn to alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms. The
stigma surrounding addiction, combined with fears of profes-
sional consequences, often prevents individuals from seeking help,
making early recognition and intervention even more essential.
Warning Signs
Substance use disorders rarely emerge overnight. Instead, they
often manifest gradually through changes in behavior, appearance,
and performance. While the following signs don’t always indicate
addiction, they warrant concern and further observation:
Behavioral Changes
•
•
•
Erratic behavior: Sudden mood swings, irritability, or unex-
plained anger.
Social withdrawal: Avoiding colleagues, skipping social events,
or isolating themselves in the workplace.
Increased risk-taking: Reckless decision-making, such as
missing deadlines or ignoring ethical guidelines.
10 THE REPORT | May/June 2025 | CincyBar.org