Addiction affects everyone, but some professions tend to have higher rates of addiction than others. Although it may seem counterintuitive, addiction among healthcare workers is high compared to other professions.
You often hear in 12-step groups that “addiction doesn’t discriminate.” And that’s true. But it would be helpful to study the environments, working conditions, stress levels and other factors that may contribute to addiction in certain professions.
For a detailed look at recovery goals, treatment methods and long-term rehabilitation options, visit our Guide to treatment & recovery.
So, why is addiction among health care workers common?
Why Do Healthcare Workers Often Struggle With Addiction?
Drug use among healthcare professionals is not a new problem.
In 1970, the American Medical Association developed a formal policy relating to drug and alcohol use among healthcare workers.
Quick facts about drug use among health care professionals:
- Ten to fifteen percent of healthcare workers will misuse substances in their lifetime.
- Twenty percent of nurses struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol.
- One-third of disciplinary action against nurses involves drug or alcohol use.
- Misuse of prescription drugs among doctors is five times higher than in the general population, with high opioid and benzodiazepine use rates.
So, why are rates of drug and alcohol use particularly high among healthcare workers? While there isn’t an absolute answer, there are several common-sense contributing factors.
Medical providers work long hours and stay under constant pressure. They are often responsible for life-or-death situations. Nurses, physicians and other healthcare providers deal with emotionally challenging situations daily, including extreme trauma and violence. Repeated exposure to trauma may lead some healthcare workers to use substances to cope.
Unfortunately, easy access to medication and high stress aren’t a good combination. Some healthcare providers may abuse their privileges by either taking medication easily available or self-prescribing. According to surveys, as many as 87 percent of physicians have self-prescribed painkillers.
Signs of Addiction Among Healthcare Professionals
Medicine and nursing careers demand individuals to be highly functional. Given that, spotting a problem with a colleague may be challenging. In many cases, healthcare workers can continue to function at a high level in active addiction.
However, there are a few signs that a doctor or nurse may be struggling with addiction.
- Finding the worker alone regularly
- Offering to work alone
- Missing deadlines, incomplete paperwork and being late
- Appearing disheveled or unkempt
- Smelling of alcohol or alcohol disguised with mouthwash
- Leaving work early, taking lots of breaks, checking their watch or phone constantly
- Strain with professional and personal relationships
- Mood swings
- Volunteering to administer controlled substances
Spotting these signs before serious consequences is key, as these consequences can be serious. This includes interventions that can result in state-level involvement, a loss of license, lawsuits and medical negligence charges.
What About a Colleague Who’s Under the Influence?
The issue of addiction among healthcare workers is a serious one. If they’re impaired in any way, the healthcare worker may put lives in jeopardy.
For this reason, medical boards have specific programs that address substance abuse to maintain patient safety. When a medical professional is found to be working under the influence, several things can be expected. First, they are removed from practice. Next, they will likely be asked to take a drug test and get a formal assessment by an addiction specialist, and other co-workers may be interviewed or asked for a statement. With the results of the investigation, the proper licensing board is contacted.
Because of the weight carried by medical board intervention, many coworkers can be hesitant to report their colleagues. But not doing so could endanger the lives of patients and staff.
The best option is to speak to your supervisor, who can advise you about taking the appropriate action.
Here’s How Healthcare Workers Can Get Help
If you’re a healthcare worker struggling with substance use, seeking help may save your life and the lives of patients who rely on your expertise.
Completing treatment may actually help you retain your license and career. One study revealed that 71 percent of physicians who underwent addiction treatment and took part in aftercare remained employed five years later.
Call
800-681-1058
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