The possibility of a substance abuse problem within the medical profession, even among physicians, is very real. Sometimes the problem is hard to detect as physicians will frequently try to hide their addiction to protect their medical license. Other times, depending on the severity of the addiction, warning signs will be obvious.

Regardless, if there is so much as a minor suspicion, this can and should warrant an investigation. More and more within medical establishments, this is becoming the ethic, not because medical professionals are overwhelmingly suspect of substance abuse problems, but because their work has very high stakes. Any suspicion is critical when it is about someone who is medically responsible for others.

And, as in any case of addiction, the sooner it is treated through rehabilitation, the safer the addict is. Because doctors are prone to hiding their addiction to protect their livelihood, by the time it is discovered within their profession, chances are it has already overcome the rest of their life. In the case of opioids and other dangerous substances, a severe addiction can have irreversible or even lethal effects. In light of this consideration, pursuing a minor suspicion is understandable.

The proper conduct for confronting a possible substance abuse case within the medical profession will be specified in writing by each individual practice. Organizational protocol is written based on the laws of the jurisdiction it operates within and should be accessible to all staff. This written clarification of conduct is important to the legal protection of the practice.

The medical profession is a field that many would consider to be free of substance abuse problems, when in fact it is a demographic that is just as likely or more likely to encounter substance abuse problems as the general population. Cases of substance abuse in doctors and other prominent medical professionals are often more advanced by the time they are discovered and treated because physicians are more likely than other professionals to conceal their addiction. However, once they begin addiction rehabilitation treatment, they are statistically more likely to make a full recovery than other demographics are. Some other basic statistics on physician substance abuse are:

It is estimated that 13-percent of physicians will abuse a substance while practicing medicine, which is highly comparable to the general populous.

• Addicted physicians are more likely to be male.

• Alcohol and opioids are the most likely substances to be abused among physicians.

• Certain types of medical professionals, including anesthesiologists and psychiatrists, were found to be more prone to substance abuse than others.

• General physicians are more likely to be addicted to alcohol, where as physicians who specialize in anesthesiology are more likely to be addicted to opioids.

• Approximately 70-percent of physicians who enter treatment for addiction make a full recovery and return to practicing medicine.

Long Term Addiction Treatment for Physicians

When a doctor is found to have a substance abuse problem, they face heavier consequences than the average person. They are usually given the choice between having their medical license revoked or undergoing intensive rehabilitation treatment for addiction. Naturally, an overwhelming majority choose rehab. What is less predictable is how high their success rate is. Perhaps a group of medical professionals is more likely to respond to medical and mental health therapy, but perhaps the secret of success lies within the type of treatment that physicians receive. After all, there are many forms of addiction treatment on the market that range widely in quality.

Upon closer examination of the commonalities found between rehab programs for physicians, certain trends can be observed in the types of treatment received. The most obvious influencing factor is the length of the programs. State boards of medicine require lengthy rehabilitation treatments for physicians who have been found to have a substance abuse problem, usually no shorter than 90 days. This long-term separation from the addictive substance is very important to the physician’s recovery, as it allows them a safe environment to rediscover a sober quality of life in.

Other important factors have to do with the quality of the treatment methods themselves. The program options available to physicians are ones that have successful reputations and more current methods, unlike government funded rehabs. Staff count is higher while patient count is lower, making for more individualized care. The general quality of life is also better as the treatment facilities that physicians frequent are typically more high end. The programs also include thorough aftercare in the form of meetings, counselling and drug-testing.

Adhering to these requirements in rehabilitation produces on average a 75-percent success rate among doctors. These results far exceed rehabilitation programs that are shorter in length and under-funded. This type of treatment is quickly becoming regarded as the model treatment for substance abuse and addiction.

Substance Abuse Treatment for Physicians

 

It is not a commonly known fact that medical professionals, such as physicians, surgeons and nurses, are as prone to addiction and substance abuse as the rest of the general population. With easy access to substances that are commonly abused, and with work responsibilities that are more stressful than most, it is easy for medical professionals to fall victim to substance abuse. When they do, it is important that they know what to look for in a rehabilitation treatment program.

A good quality rehab will have considerably more staff members than it will clients. This is to ensure that every client has individual care and attention when it is required. This is particularly important to doctors and surgeons as they are accustomed to the support of a full staff in their professional ventures. Most rehabs cannot afford this feature and care should be taken in finding one that does.

At a common rehab, clients will find themselves largely cut off from the world. Cell phones and computers are highly restricted, and it is very seldom if at all they will be allowed outside the treatment facility. This is intentional to prevent the client’s access to their addiction, however, not every working professional can afford to submit to these conditions. At a luxury rehabilitation center, high profile individuals such as medical professionals will find much more flexibility in communication and interaction with the outside world so they can remain active in their business ventures.

And lastly, it is critical that medical professionals are given the right kind of environment to recover in; one that is private and comparable to their usual living conditions. The reputations and careers of medical professionals depend on the discretion of the rehab they use, so it is imperative that their privacy is heavily guarded. They are also in an income bracket that can support access to finer things and services, and the rehab they choose should be no different. Feeling comfortable during recovery is important to its success.