Healthcare Workers’ Substance Abuse and Dependency Rates Vary by Profession A significant study found many U.S. healthcare professionals risk alcohol and drug dependency each year. This issue is not just personal. It affects patient safety too. Substance abuse rates vary by healthcare field. Many factors can cause alcohol dependency in healthcare workers, including genetics and…
Being Human The idea of a physician who struggles with their mental health or well-being or “impaired doctor” might sound strange to many. Doctors are seen as health caretakers, so one might think they take care of their health too. Yet, studies show a different story. One study in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal found…
A Journey to Gratitude: Reflections on Recovery At 18, entering rehab was not about embracing change for me; it seemed more about appeasing my parents and a judge. Yet, fast forward to October 2023, I have celebrated 40 years of being clean and sober (yes, I still enjoy attending 12-step meetings and have a sponsor). …
The first words (and proposition) of the famous 12-Steps, “we admitted we were powerless” are irksome and problematic to many. They believe the idea to be antithetical to well-being, directly at odds with personal-empowerment ethics. However, with millions of people participating in 12-step programs, we should seek to understand what “admitting powerlessness” really means to…
Transforming Lives with TMS at BoardPrep’s In-Residence Well-being Program BoardPrep Recovery Center® leads with an innovative treatment for professionals facing stress, burnout, and depression. Our unique program integrates our In-Residence Well-being Program with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. This scientifically proven treatment, can greatly enhance recovery engagement. The Science Behind TMS TMS therapy stimulates the…
In 2017, Dr. John S. Rose and his team at the University of California, Davis Health System looked into data from a 5-year study. They wanted to see how U.S. physician health programs (PHPs) help doctors with substance use disorders. Their focus was on comparing family medicine physicians (FMPs) in recovery to other doctors. Research…
Physician health programs for addicted doctors are effective in helping healthcare professionals recover from addiction, a study conducted on physician health programs reveals. These programs provide a structured and supportive environment in which healthcare professionals can detoxify and receive treatment for their addiction. It also provides a forum for physician health professionals to share their…
Integrating a Trauma Informed ApproachIntegrating a trauma-informed approach to healthcare-specific treatment respects the deep impact trauma has on professionals with mental health or substance use concerns. Here’s how this approach enhances existing treatment principles:Confidentiality and PrivacySafety is key. Making sure healthcare professionals feel safe sharing their stories is crucial. It helps them open up without…
Stigma Kills The stigma of substance abuse may kill more people than the disease itself, by keeping professionals from getting lifesaving treatment. In an article from the American Journal of Psychiatry, A.B. Srivastava, M.D., highlights the challenges faced by healthcare professionals with addiction. Despite similar rates of impairment among doctors and the general public, stigma…
Pressure on healthcare professionals is associated with higher risk With the recent pandemic, the pressure on healthcare professionals soared. Many turned to substances to cope with the stress, sleep loss, and constant exposure to illness and death. It’s estimated that 10%-15% of healthcare workers may face substance abuse issues during their careers, with some substances…