Addiction and the anaesthesia resident

Addiction to narcotics appears to be a problem in the specialty of anaesthesia and particularly in anaesthesia residents. In 1992, this problem is perceived to be a treatable disease for which there is help and there is hope. None of us are immune to this disease. One of the key features of this disease is that the person who is afflicted cannot reach out for help. Thus, it is our responsibility as caring, concerned, and hopefully compassionate colleagues to reach out to them. With proper intervention, treatment, support of family, colleagues and department, and with a tightly monitored aftercare contract, addicted anaesthetists can successfully return to the specialty.