Substance abuse is a problem among Texas professionals in many fields, but few professions see a higher rate of abuse than those working in the medical field. And most of these instances of abuse are part of the “opioid crisis,” as the addictions are mainly to narcotics. There are many thousands of healthcare professionals nationwide wrangling with some form of chemical addiction or abuse.
There are many reasons for this.
For one thing, the medical field is remarkably stressful. The hours that doctors work are often difficult to predict, leading to poor separation between work stress and life. And patients have high levels of demand, as they, too, are under a great deal of stress, and it is (after all) their health and well-being that is at question. Medical professionals must often make on-the-spot decisions with profound ramifications—often literally a matter of life or death. Feeling that they have made the “wrong” decision may haunt them through their nights.
Then, of course, there is the matter of ease of access to controlled prescription substances. Never is it easier to succumb to temptation than when the apple is within reach. Fentanyl and Oxycodone have proven just as problematic for those in the medical field as they have for other people in the nation at large. And the comprehensive understanding these professionals have as to how these medications work in the body may give health care workers both a desire to feel their intoxicating effects and a sense of heightened control over these effects.
Of course, addiction to these substances in the medical workplace creates all sorts of problems. An addicted doctor is a great deal more likely to become distracted, neglect the health of their patients, or make a decision that leads to a medical error.
Luckily, those medical professionals who obtain treatment for their substance abuse issues—so long as they have not caused themselves to lose their licenses due to unforced error or neglect—have an exceptionally high rate of overcoming their addiction and remaining within the profession.
But if you find your medical license at risk as the result of a complaint made due to addiction, give us a call. The attorneys at BERTOLINO LLP are experienced professional license defense attorneys. We are prepared to represent you in any investigation, legal hearing, or proceeding regarding your license. BERTOLINO LLP represents licensed medical professionals across the entire State of Texas. To best serve our clients, we have offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Our honest, experienced attorneys will fight aggressively on behalf of your license and reputation.
Contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
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