Licensed health professionals don’t get some special immunity from addiction. In fact, around 10-15% will experience some form of substance abuse or dependence. While this is consistent with the regular population, it’s especially dangerous among healthcare providers because drugs and alcohol impair judgment. Treating their addiction requires a unique drug rehab program for professionals.
Practical Challenges
Non-healthcare professionals in recovery can find drugs or alcohol if they look for them. Healthcare professionals, on the other hand, deal with controlled substances on a daily basis. That ease of access puts them at much higher risk for relapse.
The medical community also stigmatizes healthcare professionals that experience substance use disorders. This stems, in part, from the danger someone with impaired judgment poses to patients. It also has the potential to create a serious legal problem if someone relapses on the job. That stigma often prevents healthcare professionals from seeking out addiction therapy services.
Detox Options
Healthcare professional or not, many addictions require a medically supervised detox. In the case of alcohol, it’s a medical necessity because alcohol withdrawal poses health risks. Medical detox can also make withdrawal a less miserable experience by providing medications that limit the symptoms.
Best Drug Rehab Programs for Professionals
Drug rehab programs for professionals must cover the same ground as any other rehab program. The healthcare professional will likely need detox first. Then they move into the rehab phase. They’ll undergo a combination of therapies and programs, such as:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Medical detox
- Addiction treatment programs for professionals
- Family services
- Life skills training
Special Considerations
Unlike a standard rehab program that lasts around a month, drug rehab programs for professionals can last for up 12 weeks. One possible reason is that the longer rehab is a requirement for you to keep your board certification. It might also be a requirement to prevent legal action against you.
The longer program also serves some practical functions. Since the risk factors for relapse are more significant, healthcare professionals need a more rigorous grounding in relapse prevention techniques. It also lets you conduct meetings with your employer about returning to work.
Continuing care plays a big role in the sustained recovery of health pros. The longer program gives you a chance to acclimate to the longer-term therapy commitments recovery demands.
BoardPrep Recovery Center
BoardPrep Recovery center offers addiction treatment programs for professionals. We use the latest advances in addiction treatment knowledge to provide you with a recovery plan that gives you the best shot at lasting recovery.
Don’t let addiction destroy your career or your life. BoardPrep’s addiction program for professionals can help you salvage both. For more information about our program, call BoardPrep today at 866.796.4720.
