HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL ADDICTION

People addicted to prescription medication come from all walks of life. However, the last people we would suspect of drug addiction are health care professionals—those people trusted with our well-being. Yet health care workers are as likely as anyone else to abuse drugs.

Why is the potential for substance abuse such a risk for health care professionals?

Healthcare Professionals have a variety of unique risk factors, including higher access to prescription drugs, high levels of workplace stress, and sleep deprivation that make them very susceptible to substance abuse, alcohol, and relapse.

Doctors and nurses suffering from addiction are not only putting their own health at risk but also the wellbeing of patients in their care. It may be hard for a medical professional to accept they have an addiction, but the sooner that the addiction is faced head-on, the better. This can help prevent accidents on the job or neglect of important signs of health issues in patients.

According to the Journal of Clinical Nursing, approximately 20% of all nurses struggle with an addiction to prescription drugs or alcohol. 1 in 10 physicians will fall into controlled prescription drugs or alcohol abuse at some point in their lives, mirroring the general population.  Physicians who receive treatment and participate in ongoing monitoring, and aftercare addiction recovery coaching programs have a far lower rate of relapse, with 71% still in recovery, licensed and employed after 5 years.
 

There are a number of states that offer programs to help doctors and nurses recover from addiction while ensuring they won’t lose their license or practice. These programs also help guide medical professionals through recovery and provide ways to avoid triggers once back in the workplace.
 

Aspects that addiction treatment for medical professionals will address include:

• How to restore your career and reputation

• The process of returning to a professional practice

• Addressing licensing and disciplinary matters

• Avoiding potential triggers in and outside of the workplace

• Participation in monitoring programs

• Establishing continued after-care with our prescription addiction recovery coaches.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a prescription or over-the-counter drug addiction, seek help. It could be the difference between a sober and healthy life and an early tragic death.