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Author

Bowers C

Bio: Bowers C is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Abstinence. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 56 citations.
Topics: Abstinence

Papers
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Journal Article
TL;DR: Of 100 physicians who entered into a continuing care contract during a five-year period with the Impaired Physicians Program of the Medical Association of Georgia, seventy-seven have maintained documentable abstinence from all mood-altering substances.
Abstract: Of 100 physicians who entered into a continuing care contract during a five-year period with the Impaired Physicians Program of the Medical Association of Georgia, seventy-seven have maintained documentable abstinence from all mood-altering substances. One physician was lost to follow-up. Twenty-two relapsed, eighteen of whom have undergone another treatment for chemical dependence. Only one physician in the relapse group has been involved in a pattern of chronic relapsing behavior.

56 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Overall recovery rates for impaired healthcare professionals seem to be higher compared with other groups, particularly with intensive inpatient management and subsequent follow-up care.
Abstract: Objective:The objective of the article is to present the available data from the literature on substance use disorders in healthcare professionals. Prevalence, risk factors, treatment options, and reentry into clinical practice are discussed.Introduction:Impairment of a healthcare professional is th

242 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
23 Mar 2005-JAMA
TL;DR: The risk of relapse with substance use was increased in health care professionals who used a major opioid or had a coexisting psychiatric illness or a family history of a substance use disorder.
Abstract: Context Substance use disorders among physicians are important and persistent problems. Considerable debate exists over whether use of major opioids, especially among anesthesiologists, is associated with a higher relapse rate compared with alcohol and nonopioids. Moreover, the risk factors for relapse with current treatment and monitoring strategies are unknown. Objective To test the hypothesis that chemically dependent health care professionals using a major opioid (eg, fentanyl, sufentanil, morphine, meperidine) as drug of choice are at higher risk of relapse. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of 292 health care professionals enrolled in the Washington Physicians Health Program, an independent posttreatment monitoring program, followed up between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 2001. Main Outcome Measure Factors associated with relapse, defined as the resumption of substance use after initial diagnosis and completion of primary treatment for chemical dependency. Results Twenty-five percent (74 of 292 individuals) had at least 1 relapse. A family history of a substance use disorder increased the risk of relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-3.64). The use of a major opioid increased the risk of relapse significantly in the presence of a coexisting psychiatric disorder (HR, 5.79; 95% CI, 2.89-11.42) but not in the absence of a coexisting psychiatric disorder (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.33-2.17). The presence of all 3 factors— major opioid use, dual diagnosis, and family history—markedly increased the risk of relapse (HR, 13.25; 95% CI, 5.22-33.59). The risk of subsequent relapses increased after the first relapse (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.13-2.53). Conclusions The risk of relapse with substance use was increased in health care professionals who used a major opioid or had a coexisting psychiatric illness or a family history of a substance use disorder. The presence of more than 1 of these risk factors and previous relapse further increased the likelihood of relapse. These observations should be considered in monitoring the recovery of health care professionals.

223 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A sample of 904 physicians consecutively admitted to 16 state Physicians' Health Programs was studied for 5 years or longer to characterize the outcomes of this episode of care and to explore the elements of these programs that could improve the care of other addicted populations.

169 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Self-reported substance abuse and dependence were at highest levels among psychiatrists and emergency physicians, and lowest among surgeons, with evidence that a specialty can organize prevention programs to address patterns of substance use specific to that specialty.
Abstract: Self-reported past year use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, and two controlled prescription substances (opiates, benzodiazepines); and self-reported lifetime substance abuse or dependence was estimated and compared for 12 specialties among 5,426 physicians participating in an anonymous mailed survey. Logistic regression models controlled for demographic and other characteristics that might explain observed specialty differences. Emergency medicine physicians used more illicit drugs. Psychiatrists used more benzodiazepines. Comparatively, pediatricians had overall low rates of use, as did surgeons, except for tobacco smoking. Anesthesiologists had higher use only for major opiates. Self-reported substance abuse and dependence were at highest levels among psychiatrists and emergency physicians, and lowest among surgeons. With evidence from studies such as this one, a specialty can organize prevention programs to address patterns of substance use specific to that specialty, the specialty characteristics of its members, and their unique practice environments that may contribute risk of substance abuse and dependence.

129 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
Reidar Tyssen1
TL;DR: It is suggested that physicians' physical health is similar to the general population, although female physicians tend to be in better health than other women, and specialist psychiatric services should be made more accessible for this group.
Abstract: This paper provides an overview of recent Norwegian and international research into physicians' health problems and their use of health services, with a particular focus on more recent studies relating to The Norwegian Physicians' Survey. The review suggests that physicians' physical health is similar to the general population, although female physicians tend to be in better health than other women. Some mental disorders such as depression and suicide appear to be more prevalent. Mental health problems are known to be associated with low work control (autonomy), time pressure and demanding patients. There is little difference between the genders early in their career, but more female than male physicians seem to experience problems later on. Physicians seldom take sick leave, and tend to make less use of primary health care and some screening facilities. Self-treatment is common - even for mental problems. American impaired physician programmes have demonstrated high recovery rates (70-80%), and increasing emphasis is now being placed on psychiatric diagnoses. As certain mental disorders appear to be common among physicians, specialist psychiatric services should be made more accessible for this group. A low-threshold facility for seeking help with such problems has recently been developed in Norway (the Villa Sana Resource Centre).

126 citations