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Physician drug use: availability or occupational stress?
The International Journal of the Addictions
|February 1, 1981
Summary
Physicians report higher drug use than dentists, with occupational stress linked to increased drug consumption. This suggests stress, not just availability, drives physician drug use.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Occupational health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Physicians exhibit high rates of drug use.
- Occupational stress is a potential contributing factor.
- Understanding drug use patterns in health professionals is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and frequency of drug use among health professionals.
- To explore the relationship between occupational stress and drug use in physicians.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to physicians and dentists in West Virginia.
- Data collected on drug use frequency and occupational stress levels.
Main Results:
- Physicians reported higher drug use compared to dentists.
- A significant positive correlation was found between occupational stress and the use of certain drugs among physicians.
Conclusions:
- Physician drug use appears linked to occupational stress.
- Drug availability may not be the primary driver of physician drug use.