Doctors Abusing Prescription Drugs: Where Do They Turn for Help?

Recent research shows that not only are doctors abusing prescription drugs at about the same rate as the general population (as many as one out of every ten doctors is struggling with a substance abuse problem), but their reasons for abuse tend to be the same as well. What becomes tricky are the treatment options. What we are finding is that traditional treatment options are not always conducive to the needs of physicians.

A study back in October in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, found that doctors tended to abuse prescription drugs such as Percocet, Oxycontin, Vicodin, sedatives and stimulants more than alcohol or illicit drugs (albeit those substances are abused among physicians as well). And although some doctors abusing prescription drugs did so for recreational use or to get high, many turned to prescription drugs for the following reasons:

1. To alleviate physical pain. For doctors abusing prescription drugs, these drug habits developed from medications initially prescribed (by either another physician or themselves) for chronic pain, trauma or surgery.
2. To mask emotional pain. Some doctors found they were able to self-medicate with prescription drugs for existing problems of anxiety or depression.
3. Relieve stress. Doctors turned to prescription drugs in an attempt to manage personal and professional stress in their life.

Because of their profession and the nature of their work, finding treatment for physicians is not always easy. Researchers found that they often have more guilt and shame surrounding their addiction than the average user. They also have access to more powerful narcotics or sedatives, and seek treatment later than the average user. And because patient safety is a factor, there is a level of observance that might be necessary.

In working with a large number of physicians struggling with drug or alcohol problems, we’ve also found that a treatment option that is very discreet is often optimal. Our NTR Brain Restoration allows for this level of discretion. The ten-day IV nutritional protocol for eliminating cravings and unique coaching program help physicians maintain a level of privacy that can be ideal in both their professional and personal lives, and promotes long-term recovery.