Substance Abuse And Health Care
It is not surprising to know that addiction also happens among medical practitioners and nurses. Doctors and nurses are also prone to addiction and if not handled with care in this case, it can lead to more problems in their work. Compared to most other industries, medical industry has a higher addiction rate. There is always an underlying reason as to why a medical practitioner is addicted to alcohol or any other form of drug. Some of them may be coping from difficult or disheartening predicaments on the job or they just want to stay alert longer while working.
Data suggest no fewer than 100,000 health care professionals abuse drugs, the most common being narcotics like Fentanyl and Oxycodone.
Doctors and nurses can be considered slightly different from other professionals because of their easy accessibility to some of the popular sought-after drugs because it is easier for them to lay their hands on the drugs and to create or feed an addiction.
However, statistics shows that these people also tend to withdraw faster than people in other professions.
Addiction Signs In Medical Staff
Due to their high rate of performance during their addiction, it's very hard to identify drug or alcohol addiction in physicians or nurses. This implies that they will conveniently satisfy their addiction for a long time, manage their profession and family, without anybody realizing they are addicts.
We invite you to get in touch with us on 0800 246 1509 to find a suitable treatment program if you are a medical professional struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.
Some of the factors that show a medical practitioner is addicted include
- Often shifting their careers.
- Showing a strong preference to night shifts because of less supervision in night.
- Dosing while on duty.
- Often making themselves available to administer narcotics to patients.
- Anxiety over working on extended hours.
- Not always present and always visiting the lavatory.
- Frequently covering their breath through use of mints or mouthwash and always carrying an alcohol odour.
- Issues with relationships and finances.
- Contracted pupils and/or glassy eyes.
- Very close to the colleagues that are in the drug department.
- Pattern of incomplete charting or errors on reports.
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Reasons Behind The Rate Of Drug And Alcohol Dependency In The Medical Industry
Doctors or nurses are at a greater risk of abusing drugs or alcohol than other professionals because of the nature of their job. Since physicians have the permission to reach any of those highly recommended drugs which is not properly recorded when issued, they can easily become addicted to drugs like Oxycodone or Fentanyl. They can decide to practice the feelings/vibration that follows addiction just to hype their satisfaction, because they are aware of how the substance manifests on a person.
Long working hours, high occupational stress, and the need to stay alert are some of the other top reasons why medical professionals abuse drugs. Their emotions and psychological state are affected after regretting an action or making wrong decisions, thereby prompting addiction.
How Drug Abuse Affects Work
Given the nature of their work, doctors and nurses who are addicted are more likely to cause harm that in other professions. They don't mind leaving their occupational functions to satisfy their addiction, whether the function is vital or has to do with any medical operation.
Doctors and nurses who are dealing with a substance addiction are not just putting themselves at a risk but are also playing around with the well-being of the patients within their care. These cravings are easily curbed during the early stage of the illness, although it's always difficult for doctors to admit they are under drug dependence. This can result in paying attention to vital symptoms in patients, reducing the rate of errors and mistakes during the job.
Statistics Of Medical Expert Addictions
Doctors and nurses are working in a profession that is highly regarded and respected. However, they are certainly not immune to addictions. The good news is, doctor and nurses have treatment scheme specially meant for their recovery.
Many states have programs that help medical professionals beat their addiction without running the risk of losing their license to practice. Physicians are supported medically through this scheme to regain wellness and to abstain from stimulants.
Areas to tackle for the doctors and nurses abuse therapy scheme
- Ways to recover your status and job.
- The procedures of resuming duty as a specialist.
- How to handle issues related with licensing and discipline.
- Getting rid of addictive substances round the entire job area.
- Engaging with monitoring programs.
- Commitment post-rehab care.
The high rate of recovery from addiction among healthcare professionals is something that proves encouraging for the patient. The success rates are even higher when medical professionals decide to enrol themselves within a treatment program where the staff members are familiar in dealing with medical professionals and the challenges that may be seen with this profession. Specialists at addiction treatment facilities will work with you to identify the underlying reasons for your addiction and help you regain good health again.