Chemical Dependence in the Medical Profession

The high stress of working in the medical field can be hard to manage for many people. From med school to working long hours in a hospital emergency room, many people find themselves overwhelmed, stressed, and in need of relief. Experience in pharmacology does not make people less likely to become chemically dependent. If you are in a medical profession and using drugs or alcohol to get through the day, seek treatment from our team at Greater Boston Addiction Centers.

Addiction in Medical School? You’re Not Alone

Those in medical school may be at a higher risk for developing an addiction. The pressure, stress, and demands of this type of educational program followed by both residency and fellowship put people at risk for mental health breakdowns. This may come from intensifying stress.

Some people use drugs to help them stay up late and work longer hours, allowing for improved focus and an ability to continue to work. Other drugs can take the edge off, which may help a med school student relax enough to sleep at night or to feel a bit less stressed. In both cases, drug use can lead to chemical dependence. 

Med School, Residency, and Fellowship Signs of Addiction

A chemical dependence forms when a person’s brain seeks out the drugs on a consistent basis. They may be unable to stop using on their own as a result of this reliance. Over time, the brain’s chemistry adjusts to the presence of the drug, altering the way it communicates. This leads to a scenario where a person faces intense withdrawal cravings when they do not have access to the drug.

Some signs of dependence and addiction include:

• Trying to stop using but being unable to do so due to cravings
• Intensifying need to use to just get through the day
• Lacking an ability to sleep or meet goals without access to these substances 
• Feeling pain, headaches, or ill when not using
• Needing to use drugs or alcohol at work or during school

Even in situations where the stress is high due to long hours and difficult to process situations, using drugs or alcohol puts your career at risk. It also means you do not have the proper strategies in place for managing stress or the emotional toll of the job you do. While that may be the case, it’s important to seek change through addiction treatment.

How Can a Med School Student Get Help?

Whether you are still in school or working, it is possible to get help for drug and alcohol addiction. To do so, recognize the need for help. Remember, too, that many people facing dependence want to stop using but cannot do so on their own. Yet, with treatment, they are able to stop using and rebuild their health and career. Our team can help do this through our employee assistance program. We offer a wide range of services to meet your ongoing needs. Learn more about them and how they can help you get back on track:

• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient treatment program
• Women’s treatment program
• Men’s treatment program

Find Support and Treatment at Greater Boston Addiction Centers

Whether you are in med school or working long, stressful hours during a residency, it’s time to take charge of your own health and wellbeing. Drug and alcohol use could put your health and career on the line even if you believe you can control it. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we provide the treatment opportunities to enable true healing so you can back to caring for your patients. Learn more about how we can help you when you call 877.920.6583 or connect with our team online.