Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:49
Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
Substance abuse and dependence in anaesthetists
1dasaunders@doctors.org.uk
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Anaesthesiology
|January 16, 2007
Summary
The incidence of substance abuse among UK anaesthetists is unknown. A national strategy is needed to identify, treat, and support addicted doctors, potentially allowing their return to practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Substance abuse among anaesthetists in the UK lacks documented incidence.
- Patient safety necessitates early identification and treatment of dependent doctors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the absence of a national strategy for treating addicted anaesthetists.
- To advocate for individual employer protocols for managing substance-dependent physicians.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices and needs for managing addicted anaesthetists.
- Emphasis on the importance of competent panels and specialist supervision.
- Discussion of treatment modalities, including residential care and self-help organizations.
Main Results:
- No national strategy currently exists in the UK for treating addicted anaesthetists.
- Individual employers need standing operating procedures for managing addicted doctors.
- Competent panel assessment, active support, and specialist knowledge are crucial.
Conclusions:
- A structured approach is vital for identifying, treating, and rehabilitating addicted anaesthetists.
- Residential care and self-help groups are recommended for successful recovery.
- International models like 'impaired physician' programs offer a framework for supervised return to work.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Drug Dependence
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
01:20Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...