Volume 197 - Issue 5
The value of a support group for doctors with substance use disorders
Authors: Cheryl Wile and Kym Jenkins
Med J Aust 2012; 197 (5): 275-276. || doi: 10.5694/mja12.10631
Published online: 3 September 2012
Published online: 3 September 2012
To the Editor: The Victorian Doctors Health Program (VDHP) was established in 2001. It is the only full-time doctors’ health program in Australia. Based on similar programs in North America and Europe, the VDHP provides a comprehensive, supportive service to medical students and doctors suffering from mental health and/or substance use issues.
The lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders in Australian doctors has been estimated at ...
To the Editor: The Victorian Doctors Health Program (VDHP) was established in 2001. It is the only full-time doctors’ health program in Australia. Based on similar programs in North America and Europe, the VDHP provides a comprehensive, supportive service to medical students and doctors suffering from mental health and/or substance use issues.
The lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders in Australian doctors has been estimated at about 8%.1
Doctors’ health programs overseas commonly include peer-based support groups for doctors with substance use issues. The VDHP has established such a group in Victoria. The Caduceus Group is a facilitated support group solely for doctors and medical students, which meets weekly for 90 minutes in an inner-city location.
Participants who attended Caduceus between 1 July 2001 and 30 June 2011 were invited to complete a survey about the group’s role in their recovery. Fifty surveys were distributed and 32 were returned. Sixteen respondents identified alcohol as their main substance of choice, 13 identified opiates, and nine had problems with two or more substances. Survey results showed that 18 were well established in their careers as specialists or general practitioners when they first sought help for their substance use issues. Twenty-seven regarded having a support group solely for medical professionals “very important” and five thought it was “moderately important”.
A doctor’s substance use can be an activity of secrecy and solitude.2,3 Many of our respondents were relieved to find that they were not alone.
Of the 12 respondents who experienced a relapse, half initially felt uncomfortable disclosing this to the group. However, all but two indicated that they found subsequent discussions helpful and supportive.
Although our study represents only a small, self-selected sample of medical professionals with substance use disorders, their responses provide valuable insight into their positive regard for a peer support group and its effect on their recovery. Despite initial apprehension, these doctors found Caduceus an invaluable tool in their recovery.
Given the overwhelmingly positive responses and the widespread existence of such groups overseas, we strongly advocate for establishing such groups for medical practitioners in states other than Victoria.
Competing interests
No relevant disclosures.
References
- Hulse G, Sim MG, Khong E. Management of the impaired doctor. Aust Fam Physician 2004; 33: 703-707. 0_BABGEJCI
- Marshall EJ. Doctors’ health and fitness to practise: treating addicted doctors. Occup Med (Lond) 2008; 58: 334-340. 0_CBBEFEEI
- Fayne M, Silvan M. Treatment issues in the group psychotherapy of addicted physicians. Psychiatr Q 1999; 70: 123-135. 0_i1142868