Drug addiction among physicians. The Virginia experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Addiction Medicine
• Physician Health

Background:

• Physician drug addiction is a recognized occupational hazard.
• Factors contributing to addiction include chronic pain, depression, and drug accessibility.
• Opioid analgesics are frequently implicated in physician addiction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze physician addiction cases handled by the Virginia State Board of Medicine.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a disciplinary and therapeutic plan for addicted physicians.
• To identify common addictive agents among physician addicts.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 46 physician addiction cases.
• Data collected from the Virginia State Board of Medicine records (1949-1974).
• Analysis of addictive agents and rehabilitation outcomes.

Main Results:

• Meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol) was the most common addictive agent identified.
• The Virginia disciplinary and therapeutic plan demonstrated significant success.
• 72% of the 46 physician addicts were rehabilitated and returned to practice.

Conclusions:

• Physician addiction is a serious occupational concern requiring targeted interventions.
• The Virginia model for physician addiction treatment proved effective.
• Rehabilitation and return to practice are achievable goals for addicted physicians.