Physicians and Alcohol

Alcohol has a long history in medicine. It is important for physicians to remain current in their understanding of alcohol-related health problems. Given the safety-sensitive nature of medical practice, it is also important for physicians to be vigilant about alcohol-related impairment in themselves, in their trainees, and in colleagues. Binge drinking and the use of alcohol to cope with the stresses of training are substantial in medical students and physician trainees. There is little research on the extent or effectiveness of alcohol prevention efforts in medical schools or post-graduate training programs. Newer studies of alcohol use disorders in physicians have shown higher rates in women physicians compared with men. Physician health programs have a 50-year history of helping physicians recover from substance use disorders through a non-disciplinary, confidential pathway and report some of the best outcomes in addiction treatment. National efforts are underway to reduce barriers which discourage medical students, physician trainees, and physicians from accessing help for alcohol-related problems.