The Challenge​

Prosecutors carry a tremendous responsibility: protecting public safety, seeking justice for victims, and upholding the law. Substance use disorder (SUD) cases add another layer of complexity and moral weight. These cases often intersect with issues like mental health, poverty, and trauma—factors that extend beyond the statute book.

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Many prosecutors and staff share frustration over the increasing prevalence of substance use cases, recognizing that despite their best efforts, these challenges often feel beyond their control. Policy shifts and systemic changes can heighten this pressure, leaving even the most dedicated prosecutors concerned about their ability to uphold public safety and justice.

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Despite these challenges, prosecutor burnout receives very little attention from the profession or the academy. You want to make informed, ethical decisions—but often without the resources, time, or specialized training needed to navigate these challenges effectively.

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What We've Learned

This curriculum fills a vital gap. It was created by one of the only researchers to focus on the overlooked issue of prosecutorial burnout. Through extensive survey research and conversations with prosecutors and staff across the country, Dr. Garland Gerber, PhD, identified these common themes:

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• High Stress, High Stakes: Our research indicates that most prosecutors report significant burnout, a diminished sense of professional efficacy, and a counterproductive level of detachment from their work.
   

• Expanding Responsibilities: Substance use cases often require considering treatment options, risks associated with return to use, and recovery pathways—areas outside traditional prosecutorial training.
   

• Policy & Resource Strain: Shifts in sentencing guidelines and limited resources can leave even seasoned prosecutors feeling frustrated and disempowered.
   

Knowledge Gaps: Without access to reliable, science-based information on addiction and treatment, prosecutors face unnecessary stress, moral conflict, and decision fatigue.