1 in 15 Doctors has drink/drug problem
Discussion
Doctors are people, just like us, and are subject to the same whimsies of willpower (or lack thereof) and escapism, just like us.
Just because they may be a junkie themselves doesn't preclude them from being able to treat junkies.
What are your views on doctors who smoke? By the same extension we should avoid them as well.
I'd be worried if an alcoholism counsellor was an alcoholic, but a doctor's remit is not to consel (for the most part anyway), and hence hypocrisy is not an issue.
As long as they know how to cure/treat and their practice is not impaired by their addiction, then I don't have a problem with it.
Just because they may be a junkie themselves doesn't preclude them from being able to treat junkies.
What are your views on doctors who smoke? By the same extension we should avoid them as well.
I'd be worried if an alcoholism counsellor was an alcoholic, but a doctor's remit is not to consel (for the most part anyway), and hence hypocrisy is not an issue.
As long as they know how to cure/treat and their practice is not impaired by their addiction, then I don't have a problem with it.
-DeaDLocK- said:
Doctors are people, just like us, and are subject to the same whimsies of willpower (or lack thereof) and escapism, just like us.
Just because they may be a junkie themselves doesn't preclude them from being able to treat junkies.
What are your views on doctors who smoke? By the same extension we should avoid them as well.
I'd be worried if an alcoholism counsellor was an alcoholic, but a doctor's remit is not to consel (for the most part anyway), and hence hypocrisy is not an issue.
As long as they know how to cure/treat and their practice is not impaired by their addiction, then I don't have a problem with it.
What he said!
hic...I do wonder sometimes whether the effects of their dependance might show in the stress of the operating theatre though.
I guess it stems from medical degrees, then the stress of actually being a doctor - I mean, who else does a 6-year degree where there's no margin for error, then going into a job with monstrous hours, sporadic overtime and even less margin for error - I'd be downing booze every night if I had to contend with that.
I guess it just takes a person of massive integrity to be a doctor.
>> Edited by Twincam16 on Monday 13th June 09:58
I guess it stems from medical degrees, then the stress of actually being a doctor - I mean, who else does a 6-year degree where there's no margin for error, then going into a job with monstrous hours, sporadic overtime and even less margin for error - I'd be downing booze every night if I had to contend with that.
I guess it just takes a person of massive integrity to be a doctor.
>> Edited by Twincam16 on Monday 13th June 09:58
A friend of mine is prone to clinical depression and used to be an airline pilot, but he kept is a secret from his employer. That's somewhat disconcerting.
He used to take lots of anti-depressants, admitting to this after he retired. He once said to me "would you rather the depressed pilot of your aircraft be taking medication or not?" I'm still not sure of the answer to that.
He used to take lots of anti-depressants, admitting to this after he retired. He once said to me "would you rather the depressed pilot of your aircraft be taking medication or not?" I'm still not sure of the answer to that.
Imagine having to deal with the general public on a daily basis and listening to all their ills. Id have to be drunk to turn up for work if I was a Doctor.
Most normal people (I include PH members in that) probably have no idea the number of morons the Dr's have to see on a daily basis. The Docs have my sympathy.
Most normal people (I include PH members in that) probably have no idea the number of morons the Dr's have to see on a daily basis. The Docs have my sympathy.
99.999% of media stats are of dodgy origin.
It depends what you class as a problem. I have the medical profession take on a problem, it IS a problem when it hinders the normal functioning of your everyday life. I suppose by certain peoples standard a pint every night is habitual drinking.......
Does anyone give a toss? This is just a lame attempt at sensationalism. Again, show me your bloody results and method of your study.
It depends what you class as a problem. I have the medical profession take on a problem, it IS a problem when it hinders the normal functioning of your everyday life. I suppose by certain peoples standard a pint every night is habitual drinking.......
Does anyone give a toss? This is just a lame attempt at sensationalism. Again, show me your bloody results and method of your study.
rich1231 said:
Most normal people (I include PH members in that) probably have no idea the number of morons the Dr's have to see on a daily basis. The Docs have my sympathy.
Cheers for that
You just wouldn't believe some of the things people turn up to A&E with! (For the record I am an A&E doc). I kid you not! A couple of weeks ago I had just got out of resus after dealing with a particularly nasty (and fatal) RTA to be presented with my next patient.... Someone with a spot on their forehead FFS!! It was not even that big "but it is painful doctor", jeez I give up, give me a drink.
Twincam16 said:
I guess it just takes a person of massive integrity to be a doctor.
Wahey!! A vote of confidence!
I'll have a drink and a rock of crack tonight in celebration 
Now, where's my prescription pad?
Seriously, I have yet to come across a doctor who I thought had an issue with drink or drugs. The headline figure of 1 in 15 is somewhat misleading - I'd like to see the actual report to see how they arrived at that ratio. There is a lot of help for doctors, even a special agency dedicated to addiction problems in doctors, so it isn't a new issue - just another heads-up from some publication or other.
Time was that many doctors were protected by a wall of silence, and this has probably led to problems with patient care, but that is much less evident today.
However, it is true that within "the caring professions", there are huge levels of stress, day after day, and the emotional load dealt with every day is horrendous. Burnout is very prevalent, and often leads to addiction problems, and the current trend to vilify doctors as all being potential Harold Shipmans, doesn't help.
Most doctors are highly professional, competent, knowledgeable, empathetic, and strive to keep up to date with medical advances and the latest treatments, maintain their skills to the highest levels they can, and are also constantly trying to treat each person as an individual, give them respect and dignity, take them seriously, and help them to overcome their problems as much as they can.
Chim450 said:
rich1231 said:
Most normal people (I include PH members in that) probably have no idea the number of morons the Dr's have to see on a daily basis. The Docs have my sympathy.
Cheers for that
You just wouldn't believe some of the things people turn up to A&E with! (For the record I am an A&E doc). I kid you not! A couple of weeks ago I had just got out of resus after dealing with a particularly nasty (and fatal) RTA to be presented with my next patient.... Someone with a spot on their forehead FFS!! It was not even that big "but it is painful doctor", jeez I give up, give me a drink.
No problem, my other half is a GP. And I despair at the amount of her time that is wasted by
wits. How about a Public stupid award for nonsense presentations to A&E
>> Edited by rich1231 on Monday 13th June 11:10
Probably the same in any profession as well. I like the way drugs and alcohol are lumped together. It's still legal to buy a bottle of wine isn't it? Are we talking illegal drugs or legal ones? Every now and again I have come across people addicted to painkillers but these are few and far between.
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