Tampa, FL – Tranquil Shores, an addiction recovery center in Tampa, Florida, recently released a blog covering an under-discussed topic: the link between addiction and careers in medicine. Tranquil Shores, who frequently services business executives and people in the medical field, brings their insight to the table in the article.
“When the outcome of a human life lies directly in your hands, it can feel impossibly stressful to keep making the right decisions over and over. Plus, what happens when that decision is wrong…” Tranquil Shores begins, setting the mood as they explore the realities of these high-stress professions. “Turning to substances after days upon days of life and death happens more than you think for medical professionals,” the blog states.
That high-stress environment is part of the reason why people in the medical field turn sometimes to substances, the blog claims. “It is estimated that between 14 and 20 percent of nurses have a substance use disorder. There was also a rise in substance use among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among physicians, it is estimated between 10 and 12 percent are living with a substance use disorder,” Tranquil Shores shares. They cite high stress, easy access to medications, and a thought process that as medical professionals, they’re immune to substance use disorders as the primary drivers of addiction in the medical field. The blog also points out the emotional and physical toll these professions can take as another potential risk factor for addiction.
“Working in medicine requires dedication, focus, and the ability to make split-second decisions all in the balance of life and death. Substances impair decision-making abilities and can slow reaction time,” the blog reminds readers. That can cause dangerous consequences, according to the blog. Some of those consequences include prescribing or dispensing the wrong medication, mixing up patients’ treatment, inaccurately reporting medical information, and performing procedures improperly.
Next, Tranquil Shores shares good news: addiction treatment for medical professionals is available. Better yet, there are programs specifically for them that allow them to still practice medicine while working toward recovery.
One of these is an IPN/PRN program. “The IPN program is specific to nurses, whereas the PRN covers a much broader range of medical professionals including dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, and more,” the blog explains. The IPN offers an evaluation to see if treatment is necessary, then participates in an approved treatment plan, support groups, and regular monitoring. When the nurse can return to work depends on the individual’s situation. “The PRN is a network of resources and information for medical professionals who have been found impaired while on the job. They help with legal mitigations and disciplinary hearings related to the incident(s),” the article shares. It also adds that the PRN has connections to resources and can refer medical professionals to them, but it is otherwise up to them to seek care.
“In most cases, medical professionals are able to keep their medical license while in treatment or have it reinstated once all requirements are met,” the blog says. It emphasizes the importance of careers in the medical field, and staying in treatment by extension. It also offers support groups for Florida medical professionals in recovery, including SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma Global, International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Federation of State Physician Health Programs.
Tranquil Shores closes with encouragement for medical professionals with substance users: “Medical professional addiction treatment is the first step to taking your life back and moving forward with what you do best – saving lives.”
Tranquil Shores offers a peaceful, beach-side environment to individuals in their treatment programs. Each counselor only sees three clients at a time, ensuring every person in their care receives the attention they need. Tranquil Shores also allows clients to keep their electronics, making them a top choice for individuals in need of treatment that allows them to maintain their busy careers. To learn more about Tranquil Shores, visit their website or call them at 727-391-7001.
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For more information about Tranquil Shores - Tampa, contact the company here:
Tranquil Shores - Tampa
Stacey Regan
727-391-7001
s.regan@tranquilshores.org
2202 N Westshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33607
