Many people believe that health professionals are immune from addiction by essence of their intelligence and education.
Chemical dependency is a primary disease process requiring exposure to alcohol or drugs.
There is frequently a genetic predisposition. The disease is characterized by continued substance use in spite of adverse consequences and ultimately impacts every aspect of one's life. Health professionals often sacrifice all other areas of their lives to conserve their professional identity and ability to practice. As other areas of their lives deteriorate, the workplace is usually the last arena impacted. Chemical dependency is a diagnosis we avoid making for a variety of reasons.