Healthcare professionals play an important role in our communities. They promote health and well-being and are entrusted with caring for others. Because of the role they play, these dedicated individuals can often be viewed in a different light – one of healthier lifestyles and somehow naturally immune from the conditions and health challenges other individuals face.
Healthcare professionals often find themselves working long hours, under immense pressure and facing unique healthcare challenges, including drug or alcohol addiction. Addiction among healthcare professionals is not uncommon and can be particularly complicated.
According to the United States Department of Justice, drug impaired health professionals are one source of controlled substances diversion. Many healthcare professionals have easy access to controlled substance medications, and some of these professionals will divert and abuse these drugs for reasons such as stress relief, self-medication, or to improve work performance and alertness. In these situations, employers and healthcare co-workers can unwittingly become enablers of healthcare practitioners whose professional competence has been impaired by drug abuse. By offering lighter work schedules, providing excuses for poor job performance, and overlooking excessive absences, the healthcare professional can easily rationalize or deny that the addiction problem exists.
Healthcare professionals play a critical role in caring for the general population. When a healthcare practitioner is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, this impairment on the job can have significant impacts on patient care, leading to increased chances of malpractice, incorrect diagnosis, and other serious errors. While the rates of substance abuse among medical professionals have slightly decreased over the last decade, it remains a persistent issue. The unique working hours and exposure to traumatic situations in the healthcare industry contribute to this problem. The high levels of stress and physical pain that are associated with the job of a healthcare professional create a fertile environment for various types of addiction to develop.
Drug and alcohol addiction within the healthcare industry is more prevalent than many of us may realize. According to a 2019 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 21% of full-time healthcare workers between the ages of 18 and 64 years reported a substance use disorder. This rate is higher than the rate among full-time workers in other industries, which represents 17.5%. The report also highlighted that healthcare professionals often face barriers to seeking treatment, including stigma and concerns about professional repercussions.
One common form of substance abuse among medical professionals involves opioids, benzodiazepines (such as Xanax), and other prescription medications. Many healthcare practitioners turn to these drugs to cope with depression, manage pain symptoms, provide stress relief, or enhance their overall work performance. However, over time, these seemingly innocuous medications can lead to dependence or addiction.
The demanding nature of the healthcare profession, combined with easy access to prescription medications, puts healthcare workers at a higher risk of addiction. There are several factors that may contribute to the development of addiction among healthcare professionals, including—but not limited to—the following:
Drug and alcohol addiction can have both short-term and long-term effects on the job performance of any worker, including healthcare workers. Short-term effects may include impaired judgment, decreased productivity, and an increased risk of medical errors. Long-term effects can result in loss of licensure, damage to one’s professional reputation, and even legal consequences.
Recognizing the signs of addiction in healthcare workers is an important first step to addressing the problem. Some of those warning signs may include:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation, and the Administration outlines four key dimensions of recovery that encompass various aspects of an individual’s life. These four stages include the following:
Health: This stage involves managing or overcoming one’s diseases or symptoms. For example, for those with addiction issues, it includes abstaining from alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed medication. It also involves making informed, healthy choices that promote physical and emotional well-being for all individuals in recovery.
Home: Providing a healthcare professional with a stable and safe place to live is crucial for their recovery. A secure living environment provides the foundation for addressing other aspects of life.
Purpose: Engaging in meaningful daily activities, such as work, school, volunteerism, caregiving, or creative pursuits, is an essential step to recovery. This stage also includes having the independence, income, and resources to participate fully in society.
Community: Building relationships and social networks that offer support, friendship, love, and hope is vital throughout the road to recovery. Having a community that understands and encourages recovery can significantly enhance the journey to wellness.
Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction requires the right support and resources. For healthcare professionals, the path to recovery may include:
As a healthcare professional, you may feel an undue burden to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. But drug and alcohol addiction affects people in all walks of life, and healthcare providers are certainly not immune to these conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction as a healthcare professional, remember that help is available.
We understand that the road to addiction recovery is challenging. But at Hickory House Recovery, you do not walk that road alone. Our team is by your side every step of the way and we navigate that journey together. We offer a comprehensive and compassionate approach that includes individualized treatment services for every client. Hickory House Recovery provides detoxification, residential and outpatient treatment programs.
To learn more about Hickory House Recovery and the services we provide, reach out online or call our team today at 1-800-604-2117.
