Working long hours in stressful situations with nurses, patients and other doctors led you to use substances as a coping mechanism. As a doctor, you know the risks of taking prescription medications for anything other than medical purposes, but you are human just like anyone else. Should you consider a diagnosis for substance abuse to help with your license revocation case?

American Addiction Centers explore statistics related to substance abuse in doctors. When you have more facts about other medical practitioners in your situation, you may have the information needed to plan the next step for your license defense.

Substance abuse among U.S. doctors 

It is not unusual for a small percentage of U.S. doctors to wrestle with substance abuse during their time in the field. Medical specialties with a prevalence of substance abuse include psychiatry, anesthesiology and emergency medicine. Stress and emotional and physical distress are the main motivating factors for practitioners to abuse antidepressants and painkillers such as opioids and benzodiazepines.

Alcohol abuse among U.S. doctors 

Rather than prescription medication, you may resort to alcohol to help you get through the day. Alcohol is a frequently abused substance among a large percentage of U.S. physicians, especially female doctors.

Treatment options for U.S. doctors

If you suspect that you may experience substance abuse, treatment options specific to doctors exist. Physician health programs focus on monitoring and advocating for doctors to ensure they get the mental health and substance abuse treatment necessary to practice medicine again. Special physician treatment programs help prevent relapses and aid doctors in retaining employment.

Speak with substance abuse professionals about whether alcohol or prescription medication use led to the loss of your license.