BMA response to BBC research on alcohol and drug abuse among doctors

Responding to the BBC survey (published 13 June 2005), which reveals a problem of drink and drug abuse among medical staff, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the British Medical Association's (BMA) Head of Science and Ethics, said:

“1 in 15 doctors will, at some point in their lifetime, have some kind of problem with alcohol or drugs ranging from misuse up to dependence that may affect their care of patients.

“Addiction figures are hard to come by, but we do not think the figure is higher than in the general population. However, doctors work in very stressful environments in a culture where it is difficult to seek help.

“There are some services already available to doctors such as the BMA’s counselling service and its advisory unit “Doctors for Doctors”, but the Government could do more by investing in specially designed services that will meet the distinct needs of doctors.

“Doctors respond extremely well to treatment when they have the appropriate services available to them. Research has shown that the vast majority of doctors will make a full recovery.”

http://www.bma.org.uk