Diversion and Substance Abuse: Risk Factors and Symptoms

Healthcare professionals are uniquely at risk for diverting prescription medications and becoming dependent upon them. They have extensive knowledge and access to a wide variety of drugs, including narcotics, benzodiazepines, and other substances. These individuals may be more able to mask their behaviors and hide any signs or symptoms from colleagues and co-workers. Despite their abilities, no one can hide drug addiction for long.

Risk Factors

A number of factors place the healthcare professional at a higher risk for developing drug dependency and using diversion as their method to obtain drugs. Being a smoker and regularly consuming alcohol place the individual at a higher risk. Equally as important is a family history of drug use or alcohol abuse. Access and availability to prescription medications may be too tempting for some health care professionals.

Professional “invincibility” can lead one down the road of diversion and addiction. Some may see their use as a coping mechanism for the emotionally and physically challenging work they do and the care they provide. Have you ever thought about the pain of feeling like you could not get through a day without drugs or alcohol? Similarly, having friends and colleagues who engage in this behavior place the person at a higher risk for using and abusing drugs.

Other risk factors include:

• Pain
• Thrill seeking
• Addictive personality
• Psychological problems
• Genetics

Physical Signs and Symptoms

Healthcare professionals are so busy at work, there is no time to look for signs of drug dependence. Heavy caseloads, call offs, and providing quality care usually dominate one’s day. Eventually the signs and symptoms of drug use, misuse or addiction will be noticed by someone. Watch for changes in eating behaviors, weight gain or loss, physical deterioration and fatigue. Changes in speech, tremors of the hands, dilated pupils, or bloodshot or watery eyes can be signs of substance use. Listen for complaints of dizziness, sore throat, runny nose, chronically inflamed nostrils, and frequent cold or flu-like symptoms. These can be signs of prolonged substance use. Sleep patterns may change, including quality of sleep and rest. This can negatively impact the individual’s level of energy throughout the day.

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms

Physical symptoms may be easier to detect than the following behavior signs. Nonetheless, it is important to watch for changes in the person’s mood and personality. Addicted people can be very manipulative and confide in you and then have you swear silence. Communication can become strained and some people with withdrawal altogether. Depending upon the individual’s personality, substance use or abuse can lead to defensiveness, apathy, depression, and anxiety. It can also lead to much worse.

Healthcare professionals who engage in substance abuse over time may begin to lack self-discipline, judgment, coordination or attention. Other signs to look for include slurred speech and impaired memory. Obvious signs of abuse include the smell of alcohol or marijuana, or leaving the workplace to consume drugs or alcohol. Perhaps the individual is frequently late for work and uses poor excuses for their tardiness.

Final Words on Substance Abuse: Risk Factors and Symptoms

Diverting prescription drugs from healthcare facilities takes place on a daily basis. Easy access and availability place healthcare professionals at a higher risk for addiction. Most stolen drugs are consumer onsite making the caregiver “impaired”. This is an ethical and legal problem, and one that impacts thousands of people. Be aware of the risks, signs and symptoms. Once you see something unusual, what will you do? Remain quiet or try to help?

More About Substance Abuse

• Diversion and Substance Abuse: Suspicious Behaviors in the Workplace
• Diversion and Substance Abusing Healthcare Professionals
• Death by Heroin: Ohio’s Heroin Epidemic