Addiction Among Medical Professionals Is Common and Dangerous

 Posted on October 12, 2018 in Medical License Defense

Some of the highest rates of addiction among professionals are found among doctors and nurses. Both doctors and nurses must maintain professional licenses in order to practice, and these licenses can be taken away if a board determines that substance abuse is interfering with the performance of one’s job.

In these circumstances, hiring an attorney to represent you before the board will mean that you can feel confident your best case is being put forward and that you understand the process in which your license is at stake as well as your options moving forward.

Addiction in Healthcare Workers

In the United States, more than 100,000 doctors, nurses, technicians, and other health professionals are battling substance abuse or addiction. It is said that most health professionals struggle with abusing narcotics such as Oxycodone and Fentanyl.

The good news is that medical professionals have a high rate of recovery from addiction and substance abuse when they seek help.

Signs of Addiction in Medical Professionals

Spotting addiction in medical professionals can be difficult as many have learned how to hide their addiction and often are highly functional, maintaining their career and home life, at least for a time.

Signs of substance abuse in doctors and nurses include:

• Changing places of employment frequently;
• Choosing night shifts, which have less supervision and easier access to drugs;
• Falling asleep on the clock;
• Volunteering often to dispense drugs to patients;
• Going on frequent restroom breaks;
• Smelling of alcohol or frequent use of breath mints or mouthwash;
• Out of the ordinary stress regarding money, family or friendship;
• Glassy eyes or small pupils;
• Closeness with doctors who prescribe narcotics; and
• Frequent errors in charts or paperwork.

Meet with an Illinois Medical License Defense Attorney

If an addiction or substance abuse problem has jeopardized your license, you may have more options than you think. Because addiction is such a widespread problem in the medical field, professional boards have developed plans and programs dedicated to getting you on the right track with as little interference with your career as possible.

A compassionate Illinois medical license defense lawyer at our firm can examine your case and any accusations made against you and advice you on your options. While having a substance abuse problem as a medical professional will require focus and hard work on your part, this is a problem that can be solved if you surround yourself with the right people. Call 630-310-1267 for your consultation today.

Source:

https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/medical-professionals/