Doctors' Use of Alcohol

Doctors and nurses are less likely than the general population to drink above the 21/14 units per week level. (Elliott R. 1995. Smoking, Drinking and Occupation in: Occupational Health, Chapter 12. HMSO) Nevertheless some doctors become alcohol dependent. In treatment they do remarkably well: of 100 doctors surveyed in 1988, eighty remain in recovery. Eight out of nine who did not respond to a questionnaire continued to drink and have died. (Lloyd G. BMJ 1990 vol 300 page 728, BMJ 1997 vol 314 page 521).

The following agencies offer information, advice, guidance and access to support and treatment for all those affected by alcohol and other drug misuse in the medical profession:

The Medical Council on Alcohol
Tel: 020 7487 4445

The Sick Doctors' Trust
Tel: 0870 444 5163
A proactive service for addictive physicians. Provides a 24-hour advice and information service. The Trust facilitates admission to appropriate treatment centres and introduction to support groups. Calls may also be directed via the MCA on 020 7487 4445.

The National Counselling Service for Sick Doctors
Tel: 0870 241 0535
The service provides general information and advice . Callers can also be given the name and number of a NCSSD medical adviser to whom they can talk in confidence.

The Association of Anaesthetists' Sick Doctor Scheme
Tel: 020 7631 1650

The Overseas Doctors Association
Tel: 0161 236 5594
The Association has a welfare, information and advisory service. Those with problems where cultural or linguistic factors are prominent can be put in touch with a member of the health counselling panel.

The Doctors' Support Group
Tel: 07071223372
Provides self-help and support for doctors with mental health and substance use problems, whether working or not.

last modified: 4th July 2001