Do physicians have a higher rate of addiction?
Similar to rates of substance abuse for the general population, studies show that between 10%-15% of all doctors in the United States go through substance abuse at some point during their career. Rates of addiction are highest in physicians within the specialties of anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.
What drugs do doctors take?
The most commonly used prescription drugs fall into three classes:
- Opioids. Examples: oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and meperidine (Demerol)
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants. Examples: phenobarbital (Luminal), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax)
- Stimulants.
Why is prescription drug abuse on the rise?
The reasons for the high prevalence of prescription drug misuse vary by age, gender, and other factors, but likely include ease of access. The number of prescriptions for some of these medications has increased dramatically since the early 1990s.
Why are physicians important in the treatment of substance abuse?
All 50 states have developed procedures to identify and bring to treatment physicians who are alcohol or drug dependent. Because American physicians represent a resource of trained medical personnel, successful rehabilitation of these physicians is a national priority.
How many doctors are affected by substance abuse?
A 2010 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association surveyed more than 1,800 physicians to learn about their experiences with colleagues who were incompetent to practice or impaired by alcohol, drugs or mental illness.
Are there effective treatment approaches for drug abuse?
NOTE: This fact sheet discusses research findings on effective treatment approaches for drug abuse and addiction.
Can a doctor be rehabilitated for alcohol abuse?
Rehabilitation of the alcohol-impaired or drug-impaired physician is a serious concern of state medical societies as well. All 50 states have developed procedures to identify and bring to treatment physicians who are alcohol or drug dependent.
How does a doctor deal with substance abuse?
Substance abuse treatment options for doctors are different from those available to the rest of the population. Most states have an independent physician health program that provides advocacy and monitoring services and directs physicians to drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment.
Here are some key statistics concerning substance abuse among physicians. How Many Doctors Suffer from Substance Abuse?
NOTE: This fact sheet discusses research findings on effective treatment approaches for drug abuse and addiction.
Why do so many doctors abuse prescription medicine?
According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, 69% of doctors reported that they abused prescription medicine “to relieve stress and physical or emotional pain.” 3 Substance abuse among physicians is associated with a higher rate of suicide.