Sections
Substance Use Disorders Among Physicians: Introduction | Definitions and Terminology | Epidemiology | Warning Signs and Symptoms | Confirming the Diagnosis | Intervention | Initial Treatment, Aftercare, and Monitoring | State Physician Health Programs | Special Issues for Monitored Physicians | Prognosis | Legal Considerations | Ethical Considerations | Prevention | Conclusion | Key Points | References | Suggested Reading
Excerpt
In years past, the prevalence of addictive disorders
in the medical profession was widely exaggerated. In fact, physicians
have rates of substance abuse and dependence that are very similar
to those of the general population. Physicians' patterns
of use, however, differ in that physicians most often misuse prescription
drugs and do so for reasons of self-treatment. Physicians have greater
access than most to very potent psychoactive medications and are
subject to unique stresses, and when they become impaired as a result
of psychoactive substance use, other people may be placed in jeopardy
as well. In this chapter, we present the key features of the problem
of substance abuse among physicians and a structured approach to
intervention, treatment, and monitoring that has a high rate of
success and allows the great majority of physicians with substance
use disorders to return safely to medical practice.