Opioid Addiction in the Healthcare Profession

Working in healthcare is one of the most stressful jobs in modern times. Especially during this pandemic era, people like nurses may turn to opioids as a coping behavior. Many people who work in healthcare start their opioid use disorder like others; by getting a legitimate prescription and becoming addicted to it. Some people start with using other substances and graduating to opioids.

Substance use disorders are common among high-pressure careers, from CEOs to nurses or EMTs. Healthcare workers, however, have sworn a special oath to do no harm. Unfortunately, a substance use disorder can cause chaos in your personal life and dangerous mistakes in your workplace.

Why Do Healthcare Professionals Use Opioids?

People who use opioids start out using them for various reasons, and healthcare workers aren’t much different. For example, they may initially use opioids to cope with pain or to experiment with drugs as a way to relax. But as time goes on, substance use may become a primary coping mechanism when feeling anxiety, stress, and burnout.

The healthcare profession today is under more pressure than ever before. Healthcare workers are dealing with staff shortages, the deaths of patients, and other stresses. Some people who use opioids to cope may also be medicating a mental health disorder like PTSD.

Whatever the reason a person starts using opioids, once they are addicted, their use is progressive. But, just like any disease, opioid use disorder is treatable.

Getting Help for Addiction

Many people in the helping professions like healthcare give a lot of themselves every day. But, unfortunately, when addiction starts to take over your life, you’re not able to take care of others in the way you normally would. Not only can your work falter but your attitude and home life can drastically change. Mental health suffers when you have an opioid use disorder.

Substance use disorder is a disease of the brain. When you’re using drugs, you make poor decisions and sacrifice your health. Addiction is a progressive disorder that can slowly take away the things you love in life.

People from all walks of life get sober and live a life in recovery. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), alongside therapy, is considered the “gold standard” in treatment. Many people have reclaimed their lives, learned new coping skills, and begun to heal themselves with the help of MAT.

Your mental health is as essential as your physical health, and addiction can steal both from you. Learn more about how we can help you get sober by calling us at 910-295-7246.