If you ask most Americans what they think a drug addict looks like, they would probably not say ‘a clean-cut, well-dressed, well-educated physician with a successful career’. This picture would probably never enter their minds as an individual who could fall victim to any type of addiction. After all, doctors are typically financially secure, they have had excellent educations and training, and they know first-hand the serious damage that drugs do to the body, the mind, and one’s life in general. So how could a healthcare expert end up abusing cocaine, flying under the radar of family, friends, colleagues, and patients?
Mary Woods had the opportunity to interview Steven Farber, M.D., about his journey through addiction and eventual recovery. {Download or listen online to the full podcast here}
Dr. Farber shared his personal story of how he, a respected cardiologist, spiraled down into an overwhelming addiction, which cost him personally, financially, and professionally.
He mentions some of the attributes commonly associated with careers in medicine as triggers for his addiction, including:
Workplace Stress
Cardiologists incur the stress of having people’s lives in their hands on a regular basis. The impact of this stress on a person with underlying addictive behavior or mental / emotional illness can be overwhelming, and can lead to a dependence on alcohol, drugs, or other external stimulants.
Long Hours & Lack of Sleep
While doctors generally do a great job of taking care of others, when working 12 hour, 14 hour, or longer shifts, they may look to stimulants such as coffee and energy drinks to stay awake and perform their job. For those with addictive tendencies, this may slide toward prescription drug abuse, and lack of sleep may heighten poor decision-making.
Access to Prescription Drug Samples
Dr. Farber’s habits began with Xanax samples provided by prescription drug salespeople, and eventually led to cocaine. The easy access afforded to those in medical professions is alarming, as it can create a sense of normalcy in using drugs to deal with everyday afflictions and stresses.
Ego
Physicians, more so than most other professions, tend to have a high sense of control and egoism, as they have been groomed to have the utmost confidence in their decisions and educational training. For these reasons, Dr. Farber continued to feel as if he ‘didn’t have a problem’ and ‘had everything under control’ at the height of his substance abuse, which kept him from asking for help for a very long time.
To listen to the full podcast, click here. Or subscribe to our podcast series at VoiceAmerica to access a complete archive of episodes.
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