It’s Double-Trouble When Anesthesiologists Get Addicted to Painkillers

It’s Double-Trouble When Anesthesiologists Get Addicted to Painkillers

During the past few years, much has been said about the opioid epidemic in the U.S. One specific segment of society—doctors who specialize in anesthesiology—have been shown to be particularly prone to the devastating effects of prescription painkillers. The fact is, there’s a significant element of “double-trouble” in the life of an addicted anesthesiologist. That’s…

Nurses with a Substance Use Disorder Face Unique Challenges

Nurses with a Substance Use Disorder Face Unique Challenges

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the percentage of nurses in the U.S. who have a substance use disorder (i.e., dependence on alcohol and/or drugs) is about 10%, similar to the percentage of the general population.[1] Given the large number of nurses working in the field—approximately 4 million[2]—this rate of addiction…

Healthcare Professionals Who Engage in a Quality Aftercare Program Can Strengthen Recovery

Healthcare Professionals Who Engage in a Quality Aftercare Program Can Strengthen Recovery

If you’re a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional in the process of completing (or have just completed) treatment for a substance use disorder (i.e., alcohol and/or drug dependence), you’ve very likely heard a trumpet blaring in your ear about the importance of… aftercare! Indeed, given the medical establishment does not currently have a cure…

Female Nurses and Addiction – Some Statistics and Studies to Consider

Female Nurses and Addiction – Some Statistics and Studies to Consider

Given the stereotype that’s floated around for decades—”most nurses are women”—turns out to have statistics to back it up (per Health Career Institute figures, 9 out of 10 RNs are female)[1], it likely would prove beneficial for those treating healthcare professionals for addiction to consider a 2019 Vanderbilt University study’s findings about women and addiction.…

Doctor writing a prescription

Prescription Drug Abuse Among Doctors: Statistics & Treatment Options

Prescription Drug Abuse Among Doctors: Statistics & Treatment Options   Given the unusual, often arduous challenges facing doctors working during the COVID-19 pandemic, how to best cope with stress is necessarily one dimension of life each and every physician must address. While healthy choices are certainly available to help you adapt to today’s more intensified…

Health Care Professionals discuss a case

How to Identify and Help a Health Care Professional with a Substance Use Disorder – PART ONE

How to Identify and Help a Health Care Professional with a Substance Use Disorder – PART ONE [Note to Reader: This post is “Part One” of a 2-part blog-post. “Part Two” will follow shortly after publication of this post.] The nature of addiction has been studied by scientists and researchers for decades. The American Psychiatric…

A “Reality Check” for Healthcare Professionals Who May Actually Be High-Functioning Alcoholics – PART TWO

A “Reality Check” for Healthcare Professionals Who May Actually Be High-Functioning Alcoholics – PART TWO

[Note to Reader: See “PART ONE” of this 2-part blog-post in the archives.] When a doctor, nurse or any other healthcare professional regularly drinks an unhealthy amount of alcohol, the fact that they’re sustaining some level of professional and personal success may inhibit them from acknowledging they have an alcohol abuse disorder and getting help…

man using telehealth services for addiction treatment during coronavirus pandemic

I Was a High-Functioning Alcoholic

I used to be a college professor and could really relate to being a “high-functioning alcoholic.” I want to share my story, some facts, and offer hope to professionals who might be asking themselves if they’re in the same boat. Let’s start with what it means to be a high-functioning alcoholic. It’s about drinking too…

If You’re a Physician Considering Treatment, You’re Not Alone — The Prevalence of Alcohol Abuse in Doctors

If You’re a Physician Considering Treatment, You’re Not Alone — The Prevalence of Alcohol Abuse in Doctors

The fact is, the current COVID-19 pandemic has amped up the degree of stress throughout society to unprecedented levels. Nowhere can this heightened pressure and strain be found more challenging than in the realm of healthcare providers. Indeed, the added coronavirus-fueled demands placed on doctors and nurses (as well as other hospital and medical center…