doctor struggling with being one of the many addicted professionals

The Dangers of Addiction Among Medical Professionals

Addiction can affect everyone. That even applies to medical professionals who have dedicated their careers to supporting people’s health and wellness. Addicted professionals need help just like anyone else struggling with addiction. An awareness of the unique dangers that present for medical professionals can help avoid addiction altogether or at the very least support in…

A Look at Addicted Nurses and the Importance of Supportive Treatment Services for Nurses

A Look at Addicted Nurses and the Importance of Supportive Treatment Services for Nurses

No one would argue nurses have an extremely challenging job – the high levels of work-related stress they face combined with daily exposure to sickness, death and trauma… No wonder one published study showed 22% of nurses (more than 1 in 5) were found to demonstrate symptoms of PTSD.[1] It’s also no wonder the stress…

The Challenges Addicted Doctors & Nurses Face Require Specialized Diagnosis and Treatment – PART TWO

The Challenges Addicted Doctors & Nurses Face Require Specialized Diagnosis and Treatment – PART TWO

[Note to Reader: This is “Part Two” in a 2-part blog-post. Please go to Archives for “Part One.”] In seeking to maximize patient safety, all U.S. states offer some form of an “impaired healthcare professionals program” aimed at assisting doctors, nurses and others in the healthcare field who’re struggling with a substance use disorder to…

Addicted Nurses Who Seek Treatment Can Save Lives… Theirs AND Their Patients!

Addicted Nurses Who Seek Treatment Can Save Lives… Theirs AND Their Patients!

It should go without saying that nurses who have an untreated substance use disorder (addiction to alcohol or drugs) are not only endangering themselves, but their patients, as well. One of the key words in this statement is “untreated.” Why? Because untreated implies addiction is treatable. Indeed, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse,…

addiction in doctors and nurses showing in man with hand over his face in hospital

Rehab-Recovery 101: Addressing Addiction and Shame in Doctors and Nurses

“Once we realize that imperfect understanding is the human condition, there is no shame in being wrong, only in failing to correct our mistakes.” – George Soros   Having been in recovery for 22-plus years, I must say it seems rare for me to hear someone has easily admitted to having a problem with alcohol…

nurse sitting in stairwell thinking about addiction treatment for nurses

Addiction Treatment for Nurses

Nurses are some of the most overworked professionals in the United States. Not only do they work long hours, but they must endure physical and emotional demands that most other professionals do not. Unfortunately, with easy access to prescription medications, many nurses find themselves in the throes of addiction. Nurses Who Struggle with Addiction Nurses…