When it comes to alcohol problems British doctors come second to publicans and bar staff

Jun 14 2005

A British Medical Association chief says that as many as one in 15 British doctors has had a problem with alcohol or drugs.

He says the profession is in denial and needs help.

Ethics Committee chairman Michael Wilks says the government needs to do more to help as the profession refuses to face up to the fact that it has a problem in the ranks.

According to Wilks the levels of denial make it impossible for an alcoholic doctor to receive help.

The BMA said in a statement later that the figure of one in 15 included a whole range, from misuse up to dependence that may affect care of patients. They say the figure is no higher than in the general population, and doctors do work in very stressful environments, in a culture where it is difficult to seek help.

According to a BBC programme doctors are known to be at least three times as likely to have cirrhosis of the liver, a sign of alcohol damage, than the rest of the population, and came second only to pub owners and bar staff.

The BMA say they do provide counselling and advice when needed, but the government could do more to help.

They also say that doctors respond extremely well to treatment when they have the appropriate services available to them, and the government could do more by investing in specially designed services that will meet the distinct needs of doctors.

NHS Employers, a group that represents NHS staff, said drug and alcohol misuse was a problem but called for support and rehabilitation for doctors rather than punishment.

The BBC Real Story programme was aired on Monday.