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Doctors' drug abuse reduced during contingency-contracting treatment
Alcohol and Drug Research
|January 1, 1985
Summary
This study found that a contract requiring doctors to surrender their licenses if drug tests were positive led to significant reductions in drug use among physician patients.
Area of Science:
- Addiction medicine
- Medical ethics
Background:
- Physician substance abuse is a significant issue impacting healthcare professionals.
- Traditional treatment approaches have varying success rates.
Observation:
- Fifteen physicians with drug abuse issues participated.
- A novel intervention involved a contract with licensing boards for license surrender upon positive urine tests.
Findings:
- Profound reductions in drug use were observed.
- Seven physicians had no relapses over a 2-year follow-up; four experienced brief relapses.
- Four licenses were temporarily suspended per contract; six were suspended or revoked for other reasons.
Implications:
- This contract-based approach shows promise for treating drug-abusing physicians.
- Careful monitoring and adherence to contracts are crucial for successful outcomes.
- Adverse outcomes can still occur, particularly if treatment is discontinued after relapse.