Impaired physicians: The dilemma of identification

Abstract

Physicians addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs demonstrate characteristic behaviors in six areas of life. First they withdraw from community and family. Next they change jobs, often repeatedly. Then their physical status begins to deteriorate. Finally they can no longer function effectively at office or hospital. By learning the warning signs, those who come in contact with physicians can detect such problems earlier, while there is still a good chance of recovery.