Substance Use Disorders among Healthcare Professionals
Summary
The growing recognition of substance use disorders among healthcare professionals highlights a critical intersection of occupational stress, accessibility to controlled medications and professional responsibility. Rates of problematic alcohol and prescription drug use among doctors, nurses, pharmacists and allied staff align with or exceed those of the general population, yet the potential for impaired decision-making and error elevates risk to patient safety and public trust. Contributory factors include high workloads, burnout, easy access to pharmaceuticals, perceived invulnerability and stigma around help seeking. Regulatory and professional bodies vary in their approaches, from punitive disciplinary measures to confidential treatment pathways, but barriers to early identification persist. A combination of workplace surveillance, peer support, educational interventions and non-punitive return-to-practice programmes shows promise in reducing harm. Globally, there is growing consensus on the need for integrated policies that balance accountability with rehabilitation, ensuring clinicians receive timely support while safeguarding care standards. Developing consistent screening tools, enhancing interprofessional dialogue and fostering a culture that normalises seeking help are emerging priorities for healthcare systems worldwide.
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Substance Use Disorders among Healthcare Professionals publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in substance use disorders among healthcare professionals across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Substance use disorder: A clinical condition characterised by an inability to control use of alcohol or drugs despite harmful consequences.
Prescription drug misuse: Use of prescribed medication in a manner or dosage other than that intended by the prescriber.
Burnout: A state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged workplace stress.
Alternative to discipline programmes: Structured support and treatment initiatives enabling impaired professionals to return to practice under supervision rather than face punitive measures.
Retrospective document analysis: A research method involving systematic review of existing records to identify patterns and outcomes.
References
- Workplace access, burnout, and prescription drug misuse among Korean hospital nurses: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nursing (2024).
- Are “Alternative to Discipline” Programs for Nurses With Alcohol and Other Drug Challenges Relevant to Global Contexts? A Scoping Review. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing (2025).
- Risk factors for alcohol and other drug use by healthcare professionals. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy (2008).
- Problematic substance use in midwives registered with the United Kingdom’s Nursing and Midwifery Council: A pragmatic mixed methods study. Midwifery (2022).
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