[Alcohol consumption in medical community]

Area of Science:

• Medical Health
• Public Health
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Physician alcohol consumption poses risks to healthcare systems and quality of care.
• Understanding the scope of hazardous drinking among physicians is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on the prevalence, risk factors, detection, and care of hazardous alcohol consumption in physicians and medical students.
• To identify challenges in addressing alcohol use within the medical community.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of existing literature was conducted.
• Analysis focused on studies examining alcohol consumption patterns, associated factors, and intervention strategies.

Main Results:

• Physicians exhibit a higher prevalence of risky alcohol use compared to the general population.
• Male gender, age, burnout, and specific personality traits (neuroticism, extroversion, alexithymia) are linked to increased risk.
• Detection and management are complicated by a lack of organized screening and physicians' reluctance to seek help.

Conclusions:

• A proactive prevention strategy for physicians and medical students is recommended.
• Development of dedicated support structures is necessary to address hazardous alcohol consumption in this population.