Physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) are commonly known to care more than most about maintaining healthy habits, and they generally live healthier lifestyles than the general population. This is backed up by research data showing, among other examples, they smoke less and exercise more than the average American.[1]
Still, the rate at which HCPs abuse and become addicted to alcohol and drugs has been shown to be virtually the same as the general population, and HCPs actually have significantly higher rates of opioid abuse.[2]
The real-life troubles behind these statistics are both dismaying and disturbing, given the potentially health-damaging and life-threatening safety issues that arise for the patients of HCPs treat while they’re impaired.
You may be asking yourself, “Well, how many doctors and nurses are we talking about here?” Research data indicates 10%–15% percent of all HCPs (one out of every seven-to-ten doctors and nurses) will misuse alcohol or drugs sometime during their career,[3] and the frequency of prescription drug abuse and addiction are five times higher among physicians, with even higher rates of benzodiazepine and opioid abuse, than the average American adult.[4]
A variety of theories have been put forward and studied as to why HCPs are more prone to substance abuse and dependency, including:
- Increased access to prescription drugs;
- Prescribing privileges;
- Higher than average work-related stress;
- Repeated exposure to illness, death and trauma;
- Generally more extreme work responsibilities; and,
- Frequent sleep deprivation
These and other factors have been cited as reasons doctors, nurses and other HCPs turn to alcohol and drugs as a maladaptive coping strategy.[5]
Fortunately, treatment programs have been developed and become widespread around the country specializing in helping HCPs recover from substance use disorders (a.k.a. chemical dependency; addiction to alcohol and/or drugs). Most every state now has some form of an impaired healthcare professional program in order to increase patient safety.
Nonetheless, data shows doctors and nurses are still under-evaluated and undertreated for substance abuse and addiction,[6] primarily because of the all-too-common hesitancy of HCPs (and their co-workers and family members) to report substance abuse or addiction issues, for fear of the possible damaging professional, legal, financial and social consequences.[7]
For those seeking to help an HCP who they suspect has a substance abuse or addiction issue, the first step that’s suggested is to contact their state’s Physician Health Program (PHP) or Professionals Resource Network (PRN). These agencies have both the resources and expertise necessary to capably facilitate an intervention and help HCPs find the best in available program to suit their needs. These programs also often allow HCPs to enroll in addiction treatment anonymously, if they voluntarily participate in the treatment center’s protocol.
HCP-specific treatment programs are particularly helpful to doctors, nurses and other HCPs, in that they utilize (per state medical board requirements) higher levels of treatment protocols, again in the interest of patient safety.[8]
Specifically, treatment programs catering to those in the medical field follow evidence-based best practices for addressing the unique problems faced by HCPs as patients, and follow-up studies have confirmed their efficacy. A longitudinal study reported that more than 80% of those HCPs who completed their treatment programs had maintained sobriety for five years and were employed in their chosen field of medicine.[9]
For those HCPs struggling with substance abuse or addiction issues, the “good news” to seize upon is there are treatment programs specifically designed to meet their unique needs, which ultimately benefits both them and the patients they care for.
[1] Merlo, L., & Gold, M. (2008). Prescription opioid abuse and dependence among physicians: Hypotheses and treatment. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 16(3), 181–94.
[2] Bennett, J., & O’Donovan, D. (2001). Substance misuse by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 14, 195–199.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Merlo, L., & Gold, M. (2008). Prescription opioid abuse and dependence among physicians: Hypotheses and treatment. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 16(3), 181–94; Merlo, L. J., Trejo-Lopez, J., Conwell, T., & Rivenbark, J. (2013). Patterns of substance abuse initiation among healthcare professionals in recovery. The American Journal on Addictions, 22, 605–612.
[5] Kenna, G. A., & Lewis, D. C. (2008). Risk factors for alcohol and other drug use by healthcare professionals. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 3, 3–11.
[6] Merlo, L., & Gold, M. (2008). Prescription opioid abuse and dependence among physicians: Hypotheses and treatment. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 16(3), 181–94; Merlo, L. J., Trejo-Lopez, J., Conwell, T., & Rivenbark,
[7] Ibid.
[8] Bennett, J., & O’Donovan, D. (2001). Substance misuse by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 14, 195–199.
[9] McLellan, A. T., Skipper, G. S., Campbell, M., & DuPont, R. L. (2008). Five year outcomes in a cohort study of physicians treated for substance use disorders in the United States. BMJ, 337, 2038–2044.
