Every profession has its stressors, but for some, managing workplace pressure proves to be too much. As a result, many seek to cope in unhealthy ways such as turning to substance use. Persistent drug or alcohol use leads to addiction, creating more stress for those who are struggling. Occupational stress and substance use disorders often…
Most support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, have shifted to virtual meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. In these challenging times, healthcare providers and counselors understand that you need the continued support of others who can relate to your situation and your stress factors. When you are the healthcare professional, though, you need that support as…
For decades, addiction treatment consisted of standard individual and group counseling programs. It was a rather simple approach to treatment, one that consistently led to high relapse rates. In the last ten years, we have seen the addiction treatment community move towards a more sophisticated approach to treatment. Therapists are now turning more towards evidence-based…
Addiction doesn’t discriminate. People of all ages and demographics fall into substance abuse. However, some individuals have jobs at high risk for addiction. While this doesn’t mean that everyone who holds these jobs will have a problem with drug and alcohol abuse, these professions tend to have higher rates of addiction versus others. What Makes…
Professional Health Monitoring Programs, or PHMP, are a way for people who struggle with substance abuse disorders to stay on track. With the right support and treatment, they can maintain their licensed, professional careers and begin medical treatment. However, what is the Disciplinary Monitoring Unit, and how does it play a role in recovery? Explore…
Substance abuse disorders can impact students, parents, and professionals alike. Struggling with addiction doesn’t mean that your life is over, but it does mean that it is time to get help through the Voluntary Recovery Program. So, what is the Voluntary Recovery Program? Read on to learn more about the VRP and how it could…
No one is immune from the risks of addiction. Whether you’re a business executive, a pilot or a medical professional, you can still struggle with substance abuse. However, what are professional health monitoring programs? In short, they are a solution that can help get professionals back on track and maintain their sobriety. What are Professional…
Healthcare Professionals (HCPs), such as physicians, make a significant commitment to their training and subsequently to their profession in caring for others. There is tremendous self-sacrifice in the service of building knowledge and experience to handle serious medical dilemmas for their patients. As such, it is probably not surprising that a physician can have difficulty…
Expressing an interest in being a designated driver “DD” is a noble and responsible task. The term originated in Syracuse, NY by Sally Kerwin. Some restaurants and bars may offer discounted non-alcholic beverages to DDs. Taking on the role of designated driver has some built in advantages and challenges. The advantages are clearly providing a…
Relapse occurs as a process, not an event. If we agree that relapse can occur at any time, but usually is preceded by a series of changed behaviors and thought shifts (many times weeks, or months prior to engaging in the substance), then we have a greater period of time and a broader array of…