[Life-threatening fentanyl and propofol addiction: interview with a survivor]

Anesthesiologists have a well-known increased risk of substance abuse including the intravenous administration of opioids and propofol. However, katamnestic reports from the point of view of propofol-addicted anesthesiologists themselves are missing which would aid a better understanding of the dynamics and progress of addiction. This article presents an interview with a formerly addicted female anesthesiologist who after long-term abuse with oral tilidine combined with naloxone switched to intravenous administration of fentanyl and later on propofol. Several life-threatening incidents occurred but after some severe setbacks occupational rehabilitation outside the field of anesthesiology was successful following inpatient treatment. This case shows exemplarily in accordance with the current literature that warning signs in addicted physicians are often ignored by colleagues and supervisors and rehabilitation is possible under professional therapy and continuous surveillance. Additionally, this case emphasizes the necessity of controlling the distribution of propofol to reduce the life-threatening professional risk to anesthesiologists.