Being Human
The idea of a physician who struggles with their mental health or well-being or “impaired doctor” might sound strange to many. Doctors are seen as health caretakers, so one might think they take care of their health too. Yet, studies show a different story. One study in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal found 10-12% of doctors face drug or alcohol dependency in their careers. This is higher than the general public rate.
Unique Risk Factors
Doctors face job stress that leads to burnout and easy access to drugs, including opioids like Fentanyl. These are key factors in their addiction. Most states now have programs to help doctors with addiction. These programs let them seek treatment without losing their licenses.
Physicians’ Health Programs (PHPs)
These programs, known as Physicians’ Health Programs (PHPs) or Professionals Resource Networks (PRNs), are confidential. They aim to help doctors, who have unique needs, to recover successfully. Studies show nearly an 80% success rate for doctors in PHPs. This is much higher than the general population’s 50% rate. Also, many doctors in PHPs stay sober for long periods, with a good number continuing their medical practice.
How PHPs Work
What happens in a PHP? Doctors get assessed for their addiction and any mental issues. They agree to a contract for treatment, which lasts from four to 12 weeks. They also agree to be monitored for a period or one to five years.
A unique part of PHPs is how they are structured to reduce relapse risk factors. After primary treatment, doctors are monitored with random drug tests (if it’s a substance issue) and follow-up care.
For most doctors in PHPs, the goal is to recover from whatever is distressing them and keep their ability to practice medicine. One doctor said, “Recovery is a lifelong deal. But for the first time in 25 years, there’s hope for a better life.”
