Alcohol and drug abuse among doctors, BMA response to BBC research

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 13 Jun 2005 - 11:00 PDT

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Responding to the BBC survey (published 13 June 2005), which reveals a problem of drink and drug abuse among UK medical staff, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's Head of Science and Ethics, said:

"1 in 15 doctors* will, at some point in their lifetime, have some kind of problem with alcohol or drugs ranging from misuse up to dependence that may affect their care of patients.

"Addiction figures are hard to come by, but we do not think the figure is higher than in the general population. However, doctors work in very stressful environments in a culture where it is difficult to seek help.

"There are some services already available to doctors such as the BMA's counselling service and its advisory unit "Doctors for Doctors", but the Government could do more by investing in specially designed services that will meet the distinct needs of doctors.

"Doctors respond extremely well to treatment when they have the appropriate services available to them. Research has shown that the vast majority of doctors will make a full recovery."

*The BBC's press release states that the BMA believes 1 in 15 doctors are addicted to alcohol and, or, drugs - this statement is inaccurate - BMA research estimates that 1 in 15 doctors, at some point in their lifetime, will have some kind of problem with alcohol or drugs. This can be as limited as a single drink to aid sleep, or a more serious problem which might affect patient care.

http://www.bma.org.uk