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Alcohol and drug use by surgery residents
Background:
Although the use of alcohol and drugs by surgery residents is of concern, no large-scale studies of this specific population exist.
Study Design:
A one-page, 36-item questionnaire on frequency of use of alcohol and drugs was administered to residents at the conclusion of the American Board of Surgery In-Service Examination.
Results:
The survey showed that the use of drugs by surgery residents is relatively low when compared to drug use by other physicians. However, alcohol abuse continues to be a problem, and alcohol is the drug of choice of most residents. Cocaine used by surgery residents is generally obtained from hospital sources.
Conclusions:
Despite the optimistic findings of the survey, the authors advocate the following: Implementation of educational programs to prevent potential abuse of alcohol and drugs, and establishment of tighter controls on cocaine or use of a cocaine substitute for patient care.