People with addiction seek the help of medical professionals in times of crisis. Does this mean that no medical professionals need help? The answer is they too sometimes need help. Both doctors and nurses are susceptible to drug addiction and they may even be more vulnerable than the general population. The risk is high in the anesthetic department and the emergency department as they have easy access to medicines. However, general physicians or pediatricians too can get addicted to various substances. Substance abuse in health care professionals is thus long-drawn.
As an internationally recognized rehabilitation and recovery center for people with mental health problems, Cadabam’s remains committed to help people live healthier and happier life. With an assortment of customized treatment plans, experienced multi-specialty teams, and therapy sessions, we’re on a mission to reduce the risks of substance abuse in health care professionals and re-cultivate holistic health care habits in them. If you’re in healthcare and have been struggling with substance use disorder, please get in touch with us today and seek the needed help. Call us at +91 96111 94949 or +91 7353226622. You can even email us at info@cadabams.org.
A Devil Hole For All Potential Health Care Professionals
Substance abuse in health care professional statistics is consistently on the rise for the last few years. The various types of substance abuse like alcohol, drugs, and other illicit substances are becoming a primary threat to the life of these potential health care professionals. They are responsible for treating patients with ease and care. Due to their health issues, they may even begin to show signs of regression in the early stages.
Socializing with substance abusers may trigger their need to try their hand at these illicit drugs themselves. Among other high-profile risk factors, health care professionals may also begin to show more addictive impacts of substance abuse. As a result, concerns all over the globe are rising for the same matter.
Thus, there is a stringent need to reduce these substance abuses in healthcare professionals’ statistics under the guidance of a successful expert who knows how to treat this problem urgently. Cadabam’s makes a perfect fit for this.
Why is there an increasing risk of drug abuse in medical professionals?
- Medical professionals seem to be particularly susceptible to prescription drug abuse. This is likely because they have access to prescription products that the general population does not. The nurses usually steal prescription pads and forge their own prescriptions.
- Medical professionals have the knowledge of drugs and their effects and may feel as if they are not going to be addicted as they fully understand the effects of the medicine.
- The medical students may be curious about the medicines and its effect and it may lead to addiction.
- They have practice and knowledge about injections and it will help them self-administer the injections/ injectables.
- Doctors and nurses often get more seriously ill than their patients because they take higher quality drugs than other people. For example, some pain killer drugs such as fentanyl are more potent than morphine and heroin.
- For medical professionals, it is easier to hide the signs and symptoms of substance abuse for a longer time.
- Professionals within this community frequently work in the higher pressured environment for long hours with little or no support.
- While more studies on this subject are being conducted, it could be said that just the constant presence of the substance near the person could easily drive them to try it.
Types of Drug Abuse in Medical Professionals
The addiction in medical professionals varies from common painkillers to anesthetic medicines. Some of them are as follows:
Depressants:
- Barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, phenobarbitone, etc.)
- Benzodiazepines (Lorazepam, Librium, Diazepam)
- Flunitrazepam
Dissociative anesthetics:
- Ketamine
- Propofol
Opioids and Morphine derivatives: Codeine, Fentanyl, morphine, opium, other opioid pain relievers like oxycodone, meperidine, hydromorphone.
Stimulants: Amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate
Anabolic Steroid: Anadrol, oxandrin
Antihistamines: CPM
Antitussive or cough syrups
Signs and symptoms of drug abuse in health professionals
It seems to be very difficult to identify the signs and symptoms of drug abuse in medical professionals because they have knowledge about the medicines and their side effects, and it helps them to hide the signs and symptoms for a longer time. But the common signs and symptoms include:
- Reclusive behavior: Long periods spent in self-imposed isolation
- Long unexplained absence
- Lying and stealing, especially money and medicines
- Involvement in the wrong side of the law
- Deteriorating relationship with family and friends
- Obvious intoxication, deliriousness, incoherence, or unconsciousness
- Erratic mood disturbances
- Decreased performance at work
- Pricking marks on the body
Drug Addiction as an occupational Hazard
In the medical profession, drug addiction is considered an occupational hazard, since there is a high risk of getting addicted to the drugs in their career. So the hospital authority and occupational health team should take all precautions to avoid drug abuse.
How to prevent drug addiction in medical professionals
The hospital authorities should take care to avoid or prevent the addiction in the medical staff. The precautions include
- The addictive medicines should require greater storage security and should have proper stock counting.
- Some hospitals have measures in place to catch drug abuse among staff including urine drug tests and strict monitoring of controlled substances being taken out of stock.
- Education and training include addiction awareness and stress reduction practices helpful in controlling drug abuse.
Disclaimer: We strive to treat our patients with dignity and utmost sensitivity. We understand that addiction is a disease and that it is not a sign of weakness. Terms like addict, abuser are used not in a derogatory way but to remain relevant to user search trends and common usage. It is important to note that addiction should be referred to with utmost care and sensitivity to better address the effects of this psychological condition. Words like addict should be avoided. In case you or your loved ones are struggling with substance abuse disorder and share a unique viewpoint on how we can improve this content for our readers, please reach out to us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.
Why Cadabam’s?
Substance abuse disorder is more hazardous than it appears to be. With life-risking symptoms, it inches forward to consume your mental health until you give up on yourself entirely. With Cadabam’s, you can prevent this right away. The multidisciplinary team of professionals at Cadabam’s is well-equipped to deal with cases of any severity. For more than 30 years, we have treated thousands of patients. Our team relies on a holistic approach and different types of treatments, based on one’s distinct needs and preferences, ensuring them a personalized and satisfying experience. So, take a step forward to beat your substance use disorder. Take our hands and get on a custom treatment plan. Call us at +91 96111 94949 or +91 7353226622. You can even email us at info@cadabams.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Substance Abuse?
It is a type of addiction where a person may consume too many prescription-based medications, alcohol, and illegal substances that may soon convert into an addictive habit. Generally, they are accompanied by several mental health and life-risking situations.
- How long does it take to eliminate substance abuse in health care professionals?
With Cadabams and their top-quality treatment, you can expect immediate recovery. However, that may differ from patient to patient depending on their level of substance abuse. Generally, it takes anything around 30 days to 90 days for the same.
- Can people die due to excessive substance abuse?
Yes, the prospects of people dying due to substance abuse are pretty high. However, these are rare cases in totality.
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