Moral Imperative - Lessen Suffering
The primary reason to address substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health problems affecting the legal profession is morality. Quite simply, its the right thing to do. Those professionals who suffer from SUD, and other mental health issues (anxiety, depression, etc.) should be able to draw on the necessary recovery capital to get well and live fulfilled and productive lives.
Throughout the history of humanity, a moral obligation has developed to provide help to each other to foster our common well-being and lessen suffering. This obligation is hardwired into our biology. It has been codified in the canons of every major religion. The promotion of socially healthy environments is the very reason we have laws administered by legal professionals.
When we help to lessen the suffering of others, we receive a myriad of healthy psycho-social benefits in return. To aid in reducing suffering is perhaps the greatest moral calling of any person because it promotes health and harmony throughout society, and within our immediate environments. We all benefit when we all pitch-in and help to construct and maintain a positive psychological commonality.
The very nature of the practice of law tends to create negative emotional states that result in psychological suffering. It is morally imperative that all stakeholders take the steps to honor the age old social contract that makes us human, and provide healthy structures and appropriate help. Mustering the little bit of effort required to build and foster healthy constructs, and help the suffering, is the right action of good people.