It may be surprising to learn that doctors are at increased risk of alcohol addiction or substance abuse. While medical settings are characteristically intense, the spread of COVID-19 and the ongoing pandemic has over-extended an already strained medical system. This strain results in greater pressures on doctors and other medical professionals. Rising cases of alcohol abuse in doctors have, in turn, resulted in an immediate need for addiction and psychiatric treatment programs. Ideally, these programs should be tailored towards the needs of medical workers.
If you are a healthcare worker struggling with alcohol abuse, our alcohol rehab center for doctors or similar professionals might be the best option. BoardPrep Recovery offers a variety of addiction and mental health services that account for the unique challenges faced by medical personnel. Get help today by calling BoardPrep Recovery at 866.796.4720 or filling out our short contact form at your convenience.
Factors for Alcohol Abuse in Doctors
Medical settings are full of high-stakes, life-altering decisions. Such demanding circumstances could take a toll on anyone’s mental and emotional well-being. Alcohol is one of the substances most commonly abused by doctors. Doctors may find it difficult to relax after caring for patients, and work remains a preoccupation even after the workday. Alcohol abuse in doctors can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
- Increased workloads
- Difficult decisions or stress at work
- Sleeping problems
- Mental distress
- Burnout
The COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the operating conditions of the healthcare system. The pandemic put healthcare workers on the frontlines of a virulent disease that, until recently, had no vaccine or reliable treatment.
Helping Doctors Understand Their Triggers
Perhaps the most important outcome from any treatment program is a patient understanding of the triggers that caused them to drink. This is especially true of doctors and other medical personnel. These individuals may want to return to workplaces where there is still a risk of encountering these stressors. Therefore, an alcohol rehab program for doctors must recognize the triggers that may still be a part of the workplace. This treatment establishes the means to deal with them responsibly. Working conditions may have contributed to a mental illness or an addiction in the past. However, there are ways to manage your reactions to these situations and return to meaningful work in healthcare.
Resolving Legal or Licensing Issues
Alcohol abuse or addiction in doctors does not just have consequences for doctors themselves. Alcohol or substance abuse can have disastrous effects on a doctor’s workplace. It can erode the trust of colleagues and patients alike and result in potentially deadly errors in judgment.
All people living with addiction deserve compassionate care. However, for doctors and other medical professionals, alcohol abuse carries the risk of major legal issues. They must address if they before returning to work. Many rehab programs geared towards those in the medical profession also include components that may help clients resolve any legal or licensing issues that arose due to their addiction. By resolving these issues with care and attentiveness, a doctor, nurse, or other professional may be able to return to their work.
Start Your Recovery Today with BoardPrep Recovery
If you are in need of an alcohol rehab program for doctors, or if you have a loved one or colleague who may need addiction services tailored to the needs of medical personnel, reach out to BoardPrep Recovery today. We have a proven track record of treating alcohol abuse in doctors and other medical personnel. Our discreet staff will be happy to take your call at 866.796.4720 or use our short, secure contact form at your convenience.
