Most people aren't surprised to learn that about 10% of Americans have a substance abuse problem sometime during their lives. However, most people don't know that even the most conservative estimates of the numbers of doctors who have substance abuse problems during their careers are as high or higher — 8% to 15%. At Perey Law Group, PLLC we're well aware of the devastating implications of such high numbers because we have represented clients whose medical care was compromised by a physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider who had a drug or alcohol problem.
If you suffered harm because of a doctor’s substance abuse problem, we can help. Contact us today to arrange a complimentary consultation with one of our qualified medical malpractice lawyers.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers often have easy access to drugs, and of course, anyone over the age of 21 has access to alcohol. Many healthcare providers also have a significant amount of disposable income, and many are under a lot of stress. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers are human beings, just as vulnerable as the rest of us. It's been estimated that as many as 7% of practicing doctors — one out of every 14 — has an active substance abuse problem. Every region of the U.S., every age group of physicians, and every medical field has experienced the same level of the problem.
The problem of substance (drug and/or alcohol) abuse among physicians and other healthcare providers has been known about and studied for decades, but the general public hasn't been made aware of the information. It only comes to the foreground when you or someone you know has received medical treatment that is lacking or even damaging because of a healthcare provider's drug or alcohol problem.
The Complete Spectrum of Substance Abuse
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers have been identified with addictions to:
· Alcohol
· Cocaine
· Amphetamine and methamphetamine
· Marijuana
· Benzodiazepines
· Hallucinogens
· Opiates, including heroin, codeine and morphine
· Street drugs
In short, every substance abused by the general population — oral, intravenous, inhaled, and experimental drugs included are also abused by doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Healthcare providers are often better at hiding the abuse than others too. For example, a doctor or nurse abusing an intravenous drug has access to sterile, small-bore needles that don't leave the "tracks" or needle marks seen in a street drug addict. In addition, physicians may be abusing the many "sample" medications that pharmaceutical companies willingly supply.
Anesthesiologists have particularly high access to drugs, but every specialty in medicine has seen its share of doctors and nurses with substance abuse problems. Pharmacists are certainly vulnerable to abusing the drugs they're responsible for too.
Substance Abuse and Medical Malpractice
Physicians with a drug or alcohol problem may have impaired judgment, behavioral problems, excessive fatigue, and physical limitations that can cause their patients great harm. Mistakes, negligence, and all forms of medical malpractice are often intertwined with a healthcare provider's substance abuse problem.
If your medical treatment or that of your family member has been compromised by a healthcare provider's alcohol or drug abuse, you can turn to Perey Law Group, PLLC for help. We have the knowledge, skill, and experience to represent you in a medical malpractice case and help you seek compensation for your damages. Contact us today to discuss your case.
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Perey Law Group, PLLC
1606 8th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 443-7600
Fax: (206) 443-4785