A longitudinal research study of more than 900 physicians struggling with substance use disorders (a.k.a., chemical dependency or addiction) enrolled in 16 confidential, state-run Physicians Health Programs announced an 80 percent success rate — significantly higher than the typical 50 percent success rate of the general population.[1] Given the noteworthy outcomes of these physician-tailored programs, which often use rewards-based strategies and include extensive follow-up care, the researchers conclude such addiction treatment approaches could boost the positive outcomes and health benefits for countless other professional healthcare workers who suffer from opioid and other drug and alcohol addictions, as well as improving treatment outcomes for the general population seeking recovery.
These findings are particularly relevant, since according to statistics drawn from data collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicate the current drug crisis and opioid epidemic resulted in more than 91,000 overdose deaths last year, a 30% increase over the previous year.[2]
Most states provide the opportunity for physicians to enroll in specially designed treatment programs — catering to the unique needs of healthcare professionals — rather than have to surrender their license because of a chemical dependency.
Such programs start with a mental and behavioral health assessment, followed by the physician signing a contract agreeing to complete an agreed-upon amount of time in a residential treatment program, and then submitting to a five-year substance monitoring program, using random drug tests every few days in the beginning, tapering to every few months later on. Occasional assessments, typically performed by the original treatment provider, also are part of the follow-up care plan.
Per the data collected from a survey of close to 40 physicians health program directors, nearly 80 percent of doctors were found to be “clean and sober” during the five-year program, while nearly 3 out of 4 (about 70%) were still practicing medicine.[3]
According to Dr. Lynn Hankes, a former director of the Washington state physician health program, a valuable component of physicians health programs is the typical protocol of requiring five years of random drug tests and follow-up support. He adds, “Many people who undergo treatment don’t receive sufficient follow-up care.”[4]
Many of the physician health programs utilize 12-step or other abstinence-based programs, since state medical boards often have concerns about letting physicians practice while taking “maintenance drugs” (for example, buprenorphine or methadone). Some treatment programs geared for doctors offer Vivitrol, a non-narcotic, long-acting addiction medicine that blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol and reduces cravings.
Why are the majority of physicians who struggle with a substance use disorder drawn to be treated at specialized addiction treatment centers? Dr. Michael Wilkerson. Director of Bradford Health Services in Birmingham, Alabama, said the major attraction is other physicians, specifically that one of the major obstacles one encounters (regarding overcoming a substance use disorder) is overcoming the guilt and shame connected with addiction. And that is only amplified when one has been working in the professional healthcare field.
“Doctors typically hold themselves to a high standard. They need to know that they are not alone. Sharing the oftentimes challenging experience of early recovery with other doctors and providing mutual support in group meetings reinforces that.”[5]
The conclusion that can be drawn from the study by DuPont, et al. is that finding effective addiction treatment can make the difference between life and death.
[1] DuPont, R.L., et al. “Setting the standard for recovery: Physicians’ Health Programs.” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. March 2009.
[2] Braner, S. “An epidemic in the shadow of a pandemic: Drug overdose deaths reach an all-time high in US.” CNN. July 17, 2021
[3] DuPont, R.L., et al. “Setting the standard for recovery: Physicians’ Health Programs.” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. March 2009.
[4] Vestal. C. “For Addicted Doctors, Confidential Treatment That Works.” Pew. Nov. 6, 2017.
[5] Ibid.
