Chemically dependent health professionals

摘要: Early on, I was able to control and/or curb the use of alcohol periodically.... [Later] started each day remorseful and promising myself wouldn't drink, but almost invariably concluded drinking.... The last days drinking were horrible. Nothing functional in my life except anger resentment directed at those who trying help. Until final stages drinking, knowledge, no one ever suggested me that there may have been a problem, certainly couldn't recognize problem myself.​myself. Anonymous1 Table 1 Risk factors for addiction health professionals Family history chemical dependence Access pharmaceuticals Emotional problems High levels stress Thrill seeking Self-treatment pain Chronic fatigue View it separate window An unused 5-cc syringe lay among rubble failed efforts. As picked up syringe, thought flickered across mind: What would feel like?... Months later, profoundly aware deception had taken over life—it like having another personality.... One time overdosed put head on operating table next bypass patient. nodded off fast asleep. surgeons others made light it, excused aberrant behavior by saying overworked exhausted. Igor Rosien2 Fortunately, these physicians ultimately received treatment, established recovery, lived tell their story. Not all are as fortunate. Untreated or drugs is devastating, chronic, often fatal disease. hallmark compulsion continue substance even after adverse reactions it. Addicts neither morally weak nor lacking ethical character willpower. They develop guilt shame violates own value system. In physicians, disease always an advanced state before signs symptoms becoming obvious workplace. Although actual prevalence remains unknown,3 8% 12% estimated substance-related disorder some point life. Risk increase likelihood shown box below.4 Early dependency frequently nonspecific. Chemical has called “great imposter masquerader” likened syphilis its ability mimic multiple conditions.5 lists seen develops.