While rewarding, the medical profession is also known to be fiercely competitive and stressful. Working night and day to treat patients while trying to advance your career and maintaining a personal can lead to overwhelming pressure. Drugs and alcohol might offer a temporary escape, but relying on these substances may potentially result in the revocation of your professional license.
While your situation may feel daunting at this moment, know that returning to work is still possible after seeking appropriate treatment.
Don’t let misinformation stop you from seeking help
The first step in overcoming an addiction is admitting you have a problem. Nevertheless, as a doctor, you might be hesitant to acknowledge substance abuse due to the negative stigma attached to it. Professionals worry that their reputations will suffer if they seek treatment because it might make their personal struggles public knowledge.
However, without entering recovery, you risk not only damaging your career but also hurting your patients. It can cause you to make poor decisions that ultimately lead to accidents or cause you to neglect your patients.
Fortunately, organizations around the country recognize that substance addiction is a widespread issue in the medical field. There are a variety of groups that offer treatment programs specifically for medical professionals that can help you recover while safeguarding your career.
When you join the right treatment program, you may finally get to the bottom of your problems, overcome triggers at work and in your personal life and return to the career you worked so hard for.
Don’t wait until it is too late
Excessive use of drugs and alcohol can cloud your judgment and may cause you to disregard the care of your patients, potentially endangering their health. Continuing to practice without seeking recovery may result in disciplinary action and, in the worst-case scenario, the suspension of your license. Reaching that point could make it significantly more challenging to return to your profession.
If losing your license is a real possibility, consider reaching out to a licensed defense attorney. They can help guide you through what legal options you can pursue, which could make a difference in the outcome of your case.
