Law School: A Prolonged Abnormal Situation
Anxiety is a normal response to an abnormal situation. Any psychological stressor can cause anxiety. Law school creates a prolonged fight/flight/freeze response for many people while also teaching us to shed our personal values to zealously advocate a position. Most people know from the outset that law school will be tough, but many lack resources for adequately coping with the stresses law school can bring. Studying law is a rigorous and ruthlessly competitive undertaking and can cause mental health repercussions before one’s law career has even begun. Studies reveal that for many of us, the process we go through in law school changes us at a fundamental level. And for many of us, this change may be accompanied by depression and severe anxiety (also supported by recent studies).
Substance Use for Studying and Sleep
The misuse and overuse of substances for anxiety (benzodiazepines like Xanax), for improved concentration (stimulants like Adderall), or for help sleeping (Ambien or Delta-8 THC) is prevalent. Law students may find themselves in trouble with drug or alcohol problems early on due to using these kinds of substances as a primary coping mechanism. Use of these kinds of substances, combined with moderate amounts of alcohol, greatly increases the chances of severe impairment requiring treatment.
A Better Way
For law students struggling with mental health issues or just the general stressors of law school, and/or who have concerns about character and fitness, LAP is here to offer assistance. We offer a full range of resources and guidance to help you manage and cope better in the short and long-term. Every service provided through the LAP is 100% confidential and 100% free. We host a law student support group that provides a very effective and powerful way to learn healthy coping skills, gain instant support and acceptance with no judgement, and help foster healthy lifestyles and long-term balance once you start your career.
Special Note on Character and Fitness
When you apply for admission to the bar, you must affirmatively demonstrate that you have the character and fitness necessary to be an officer of the court, uphold the law, and be placed in a position of fiduciary trust to your clients. If you have drug and alcohol related charges and arrests in your past (even if they were dismissed or expunged or even if they occurred long ago and you are clean and sober now) or if you have had unusual conduct or consequences due to any mental health conditions, it is advised that you contact the LAP as soon as possible to seek guidance on what must be disclosed. Please see our law school brochure for details.
