Vet’s Struggle With Mental Illness And Addiction
Being a veterinarian comes with the same pressure as being a surgeon. Precious, beloved lies are at stake, making the pressure level very high. Veterinarians face emotional exhaustion from their love of work, love of animals, and the emotions of people whose pets they are treating. Often, veterinarians work long hours, and have to deal with a wealth of tribulations during their time at the office.
Pressure adds up and takes a toll on veterinary professionals. The Centers for Disease Control released a study on the mental health of veterinarians. One in ten veterinarians are believed to suffer from severe psychological stress. Suicidal ideation is common for more than one in six veterinarians since their graduation from veterinary school.
Attempting to cope with the pressure of the veterinary profession can be challenging, especially without the healthy coping skills necessary for proper stress management. With the temptation of hard drugs nearby, it can be all too easy for professionals to start a habit of drug abuse, which leads to addiction.
Veterinary offices lack regulation
According to Veterinary News, mandated drug testing in veterinary workplaces is practically nonexistent. There is little procedure in place to manage or control drug abuse in offices where employees have relatively open access to a number of narcotic and other mind altering substances. Veterinarians and veterinary nurses also face an obstacle when it comes to treatment. Unlike other industries, the veterinary industry is not ripe with options for professionals who become addicted.
Animal tranquilizers
In the midst of the opioid epidemic, there were growing reports of opioid-addicted people frequenting veterinary offices in hopes of a prescription for Carfentanil. Fentanyl is a close relative of Carfentanil. Both substances are synthetic opioids, providing a considerably more potent effect than traditional opioids. Disturbingly, people were injuring their own pets or other animals in order to secure a prescription. The knowledge of the drug’s availability in the veterinary offices or by a veterinarian is what drew the opioid addicted individuals to the practice. Problematically, the availability of Carfentanil and other drugs is what draws veterinary professionals to addiction.
The Center for Professional Recovery offers the Professional Treatment Program, designed specifically to address the unique needs of professionals, like first-responders. Our programs are designed to treat co-occurring disorders which might arise and restore first-responders in a way which allows them to return to work and continue taking care of their mental health. For information on our full continuum of care for professionals, call us today: (855) 422-4129
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