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The California Physicians Diversion Program's experience with recovering anesthesiologists
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Anesthesiologists struggling with substance addiction have a good chance of recovery. California
Area of Science:
- Addiction medicine
- Physician health
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding the rehabilitation of anesthesiologists with substance use disorders.
- Anesthesiology is a specialty with a higher risk of alcohol and drug addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for anesthesiologists with substance use disorders.
- To analyze success, relapse, and failure rates in recovering anesthesiologists.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the California Physicians Diversion Program.
- Examining outcomes for anesthesiologists and residents in the program.
Main Results:
- 35 practicing anesthesiologists, including 6 residents, successfully completed the program.
- Anesthesiologists demonstrated equal chances of recovery compared to other physicians.
- California's experience contradicts the notion of poor recovery rates in this specialty.
Conclusions:
- Rehabilitation programs are effective for anesthesiologists with substance use disorders.
- Physician recovery is achievable, challenging previous pessimism.
- Continued practice after recovery is supported by program outcomes.