Substance Abuse in Health Care Professionals

Substance abuse is the most frequent cause of impairment among physicians. About 10% to 15% of physicians have a substance abuse disorder at some point during their life — a rate similar to substance abuse among the general public.

For physicians, substance abuse directly impacts their career. It impairs their ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety, thus violating the code of conduct.

While there is sometimes legitimate concern about substance abuse in health care professionals, there is also a large number of health professionals reported for minor substance use issues that do not impair their ability to practice.

Unfortunately, many health professionals are coerced into intervention and monitoring programs by employers, insurance carriers and state licensing boards, and are unaware of the alternatives that may help them maintain their license.

Often, health professionals are told that these intervention programs are their only choice if they wish to continue practicing.

But this is not true.

A professional licensing attorney can help avoid licensing action without enrollment in an intervention program or can negotiate a less intrusive recovery program for health professionals with actual substance abuse issues.

The outcome in large part depends on three critical factors:

1. 1. Do you have an alcohol or drug addiction?
   2. Is this your first offense?
   3. Are you able to prove to the relevant board that:

• • • this was an isolated situation;
    • you are safe to practice;
    • you would not benefit from a period of monitoring; and
    • you do not need active supervision?