Health care professionals devote their talents to helping others through difficult physical and mental health situations. The stress of caretaking can take its toll, and health care professionals may find themselves turning to drugs or alcohol to cope. Ironically, it may be themselves they most need to save.

Fortunately, health care professionals tend to be good problem solvers and can use those skills to navigate seeking help when struggling with substance use. Professionals in recovery often find that they need specialized treatment to get their personal lives and careers back on track. 

Health Care Professionals and Substance Use Disorders

It's widely known that health care professionals have access to some of the best health care available and, as a result, tend to have better health outcomes than the general population. However, what is less known is that health care professionals are no different from the general population when it comes to substance misuse and addiction rates. 

According to a paper published in the journal Health Science Reports, health care professionals have significantly higher levels of opioid use disorders (OUDs) than the general population. The authors estimate that approximately ten percent of health care professionals have a substance use disorder (SUD), and up to 20% may suffer from impaired mental health. In addition, health care professionals are more likely to develop SUD due to the unique nature of their work.

This is a problem because addiction can lead to impaired judgment and decision-making, which can, in turn, jeopardize patient safety. Furthermore, addiction among health care professionals is often hidden and stigmatized, making it even more challenging for these individuals to seek help. 

Health care organizations can support these individuals by implementing policies and procedures that promote early intervention and treatment and a safe and successful return to work. Health care organizations may provide health care professionals in recovery with access to counseling and peer support programs. In addition, these organizations can develop clear policies regarding drug and alcohol testing, job performance expectations, and confidentiality protections. 

Opioid Misuse Among Health Care Providers

There is no one reason why opioid use is so much higher in health care providers, but environmental factors may play a part. It has been argued that access to prescription medications is a significant factor in the use patterns of health care providers. A paper published in The American Journal on Addictions reported that studies of self-prescribing behaviors have uncovered that 87% of physicians have prescribed medications for themselves at some point in their careers. Most of the prescriptions in the study were for legitimate medical reasons, but other studies show most SUDs in health care professionals developed after they were given authority to prescribe.

It's possible that health care professionals with substance use issues are more likely to seek out positions that give them access to drugs. It's also possible that health care professionals are more likely to develop SUDs because they are frequently exposed to traumatic events, such as patient death or serious injury. This exposure can lead to feelings of guilt, self-doubt, and inadequacy, which may, in turn, lead to substance misuse. 

Health care professionals who abuse drugs or alcohol can be subject to disciplinary action by their licensing boards and may be subject to criminal charges depending upon the offense. Impaired health care professionals are a danger to the individual and the community. The potential for harm to patients extends to families, workplaces, and communities at large.

Treating Health Care Professionals

The prevalence of impaired health care professionals is greatly underreported, and few seek treatment for substance use despite statewide impaired physician programs. Health care professionals with SUD issues are notoriously reluctant to seek help for several reasons. These individuals are governed by licensing boards that have the power to revoke a physician's right to practice. Individuals may be subject to lengthy investigations and sanctions or may have their license revoked altogether. These board actions can and do lead to job loss or demotions, another reason why SUDs are underreported in this population. This can be dangerous for those seeking help, as the shame from these sanctions fuels the desire to use. 

The stigma of addiction is a major barrier for this population. Health care professionals travel in small circles and tend to become familiar with their colleagues. Individuals may fear permanent damage to their professional reputation if they come forward and ask for help.

The best way to overcome these barriers is to contact a state's Physician Health Program (PHP), which is designed to help health care professionals with SUDs get the treatment they need. PHP staff are familiar with the unique challenges facing health care professionals and can provide confidential support and referrals to treatment programs that meet their specific needs. There are also a number of private entities specializing in SUD treatment for health care professionals. They often offer counseling, coaching, referrals, and treatment recommendations.

Treating health care professionals with substance use disorders (SUDs) presents unique challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the stigma that still exists around addiction, both among the general public and within the medical community. The fear of being judged or ostracized can make it difficult for individuals to seek help. This can create barriers to treatment, as traditional methods may not be accessible or may not be seen as safe. Additionally, health care professionals may have access to substances that make it difficult to abstain from use. Often, advisors and support groups are not equipped to deal with the unique challenges that health care professionals face. With the right support, health care professionals can overcome addiction and regain their lives. Next Level Recovery Associates offers professional, discreet services for individuals with SUDs, including recovery associates, coaching, and referrals to mental health professionals. Contact us today at consult@nextlevelra.com.