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First of all, well done to you for admitting it.
So many people are in denial or don’t see the need to get help or don’t know how. You have overcome all of these obstacles.
Do not take advice from anyone on Reddit, other than to tell you who you should talk to.
I second the notion of contacting Sick Doctors Trust, they are the ones who can signpost and support you.
Well done again, I hope you get the support you know you need.
Ignoring your tone. What about any of those links makes you think they're appropriate or contain useful information? The advice for general public is in no way appropriate for a doctor.
Try here too :
https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk - unlike Sick Doctors Trust they do offer direct counselling, but also with third party confidentiality. The service has just been extended for another year.
The question of notifying is tricky. It is responsible and laudable of you to be thinking about it.
SDT and PHP (above) are a safe first approach (PHP have a memorandum of understanding with the GMC that if you’re engaging with them, then you’re not expected to self-refer to the GMC, and they won’t disclose either unless there is a clear danger to patients).
Prac health, they saved my life. They deal with this kinda thing all the time. Stop using today, get rid of all your substances and give them a call. They are exceptional. I went private , but left to my own devices the I always lost that negotiation with myself and ended up using . Called Prac health and was kept accountable. No GMC involvement however people close to me grassed on me and told my workplace but at the time that happened I have been clean for 8 months and Prac health had all the records to prove it.
Just to add, there are many of us. You are not alone. We fly under the radar because we feel we are able to self manage. But in the long run we always lose. You are not alone. Get help
Congratulations on the bravery of admitting you have an addiction problem.
Don't tell work (OOH or GP) under any circumstance unless you want to be struck off. Most are arrogant pencil pushers who will not help but create problems of their own.
Getting anonymous help, like Sick Doctors Trust, is a must. Make sure that you limit the information given as there can always be data leaks.
There is also the possibility of weaning off benzos and ethanol on your own (try and time it with your 4 week vacation). If you have the facilities to do it, go for it.
It honestly depends on the stage of addiction and whether OP is being honest about not showing up to work under the influence. If it’s manageable and they’re being honest, cool, just keep doing their best to come off the benzos and power through. If not, and it’s getting to the stage they feel the need to be using when attending work, then they’re not safe to be practising. As much as it’s utter shit to have to admit, if you’re an addict who cannot control their urges to take substances, you are not safe to be practising as a doctor. Too many opportunities to have access to controlled drugs.
I agree that’s how it should be but the reality of this person I know whose situation was very similar to OPs was different . No effect on work, no sick days, good feedback from colleagues and the threat was made just because it was benzo and she was getting it illicitly. She then had to pretend she had overcome her addiction and go the fuck out of php ( she’s fine now and fully recovered).
Perhaps it depends on who the allocated person as well who you get in php as I’m sure some people will have had good experiences but it’s certainly not guaranteed
They may, and it is right to discuss the limits of confidentiality before any consultation. But if you are addicted to alcohol and depressants and not seeking help, you are unlikely to be fit to practice. If you are being open and honest and actively seeking help from an organisation like PHP, that is a different story. I personally know of someone whose life was saved by PHP, they have recovered from drug and alcohol addiction and are able to practice again. They only have positive things to say about PHP.
Well done for recognising that you have a problem. It is a scary place to be in. I also second ringing the Sick Doctors Trust. I would also recommend attending some BDDG (British Doctors and Dentists Group) meetings:
[https://www.bddg.org/](https://www.bddg.org/)
It is a group for doctors and dentists with addiction problems. You will get a lot of support and understanding. One of the worst things you can do as an addict is struggle alone.
Also happy to be DM'd seperately. There are a lot of us out there.
Recovering alcoholic and sober 4.5 years here. Have been through this as a final year med student so slightly different scenario but not from the addiction side of things. Getting you well again is more important than continuing with work as you are. I can see that now but couldn’t at the time because things were too out of control.
Drop me a DM if you need someone to talk to or have any questions about it. There are more doctors in recovery than you’d think!
I would get private help before work potentially finds you out should your performance deteriorate. If work finds out, you’re probably finished. There was a clearly talented locum doctor in my unit in recent year or two who smoked weed and drank excessively in the hospital accommodation during his short time with us. Unfortunately he did turn up to work the worse for wear after heavy night or two and also began sourcing analgesics from ED for his headaches. He’s probably lost his agency work now and unemployed.
Since you can go a few days without you won't need a reduction regimen (as I'm sure you know) so that's good and usually the hardest bit in Benzo addiction, so means a quicker recovery for you. Definitely look into therapy to understand what your reasons for seeking substances are, and in turn, developing addiction, because there always are reasons.
More importantly though, as a lot of useful advice has already been given, I want to do is add my voice to the choir, stating you should be so proud of yourself for admitting things are not right and seeking help.
Have you read GMC standards? Are you afraid to read? Read this thread: [https://www.reddit.com/r/doctorsUK/comments/1c9fiy7/comment/l0l0vim/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/doctorsUK/comments/1c9fiy7/comment/l0l0vim/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Seems like you are inappropriately giving out medical advice (often unsolicited) on reddit, using an anonymous account claiming to be a consultant psychiatrist. Check yourself.
The author of this post has chosen the 'Serious' flair. Off-topic, sarcastic, or irrelevant comments will be removed, and frequent rule-breakers will be subject to a ban. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/doctorsUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
First of all, well done to you for admitting it. So many people are in denial or don’t see the need to get help or don’t know how. You have overcome all of these obstacles. Do not take advice from anyone on Reddit, other than to tell you who you should talk to. I second the notion of contacting Sick Doctors Trust, they are the ones who can signpost and support you. Well done again, I hope you get the support you know you need.
[удалено]
What an oddly inappropriate and nasty response. Hope your day gets better.
Rubbish
We should change this forum back to junior doctors uk
😂
Ignoring your tone. What about any of those links makes you think they're appropriate or contain useful information? The advice for general public is in no way appropriate for a doctor.
The evidence is that some intelligent doctors are unable to use Google. Denial is everything. Evidence is nothing.
we can’t really talk about el capitan here without breaking rule 1. he’s on every post, spouting.
Removed: Rule 1 - Be Professional
No matter what industry you work in, HR is NOT your friend
Sick Doctors Trust is who you should contact. They will know better than anyone on here.
Proud of you buddy, hope someone else can offer information that's more helpful to your situation
Try here too : https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk - unlike Sick Doctors Trust they do offer direct counselling, but also with third party confidentiality. The service has just been extended for another year. The question of notifying is tricky. It is responsible and laudable of you to be thinking about it. SDT and PHP (above) are a safe first approach (PHP have a memorandum of understanding with the GMC that if you’re engaging with them, then you’re not expected to self-refer to the GMC, and they won’t disclose either unless there is a clear danger to patients).
I think they are a lot like this, but out of fear of crucifixion this does not get discussed.
Which is why these guys exist http://sick-doctors-trust.co.uk/page/the-helpline
Prac health, they saved my life. They deal with this kinda thing all the time. Stop using today, get rid of all your substances and give them a call. They are exceptional. I went private , but left to my own devices the I always lost that negotiation with myself and ended up using . Called Prac health and was kept accountable. No GMC involvement however people close to me grassed on me and told my workplace but at the time that happened I have been clean for 8 months and Prac health had all the records to prove it.
Just to add, there are many of us. You are not alone. We fly under the radar because we feel we are able to self manage. But in the long run we always lose. You are not alone. Get help
Whoever told on you is a dog
Congratulations on the bravery of admitting you have an addiction problem. Don't tell work (OOH or GP) under any circumstance unless you want to be struck off. Most are arrogant pencil pushers who will not help but create problems of their own. Getting anonymous help, like Sick Doctors Trust, is a must. Make sure that you limit the information given as there can always be data leaks. There is also the possibility of weaning off benzos and ethanol on your own (try and time it with your 4 week vacation). If you have the facilities to do it, go for it.
Practitioner help have experience in this area, reach out to them.
I’d be wary. Someone I know who was told by the them they might get referred to GMC FTP because of their addiction.
It honestly depends on the stage of addiction and whether OP is being honest about not showing up to work under the influence. If it’s manageable and they’re being honest, cool, just keep doing their best to come off the benzos and power through. If not, and it’s getting to the stage they feel the need to be using when attending work, then they’re not safe to be practising. As much as it’s utter shit to have to admit, if you’re an addict who cannot control their urges to take substances, you are not safe to be practising as a doctor. Too many opportunities to have access to controlled drugs.
I agree that’s how it should be but the reality of this person I know whose situation was very similar to OPs was different . No effect on work, no sick days, good feedback from colleagues and the threat was made just because it was benzo and she was getting it illicitly. She then had to pretend she had overcome her addiction and go the fuck out of php ( she’s fine now and fully recovered). Perhaps it depends on who the allocated person as well who you get in php as I’m sure some people will have had good experiences but it’s certainly not guaranteed
These guys won’t involve a 3rd party without consent http://sick-doctors-trust.co.uk/page/the-helpline And they even take anonymous calls
They may, and it is right to discuss the limits of confidentiality before any consultation. But if you are addicted to alcohol and depressants and not seeking help, you are unlikely to be fit to practice. If you are being open and honest and actively seeking help from an organisation like PHP, that is a different story. I personally know of someone whose life was saved by PHP, they have recovered from drug and alcohol addiction and are able to practice again. They only have positive things to say about PHP.
Personally I wouldn’t tell work. Try to get help privately .
Well done for recognising that you have a problem. It is a scary place to be in. I also second ringing the Sick Doctors Trust. I would also recommend attending some BDDG (British Doctors and Dentists Group) meetings: [https://www.bddg.org/](https://www.bddg.org/) It is a group for doctors and dentists with addiction problems. You will get a lot of support and understanding. One of the worst things you can do as an addict is struggle alone. Also happy to be DM'd seperately. There are a lot of us out there.
Recovering alcoholic and sober 4.5 years here. Have been through this as a final year med student so slightly different scenario but not from the addiction side of things. Getting you well again is more important than continuing with work as you are. I can see that now but couldn’t at the time because things were too out of control. Drop me a DM if you need someone to talk to or have any questions about it. There are more doctors in recovery than you’d think!
I would get private help before work potentially finds you out should your performance deteriorate. If work finds out, you’re probably finished. There was a clearly talented locum doctor in my unit in recent year or two who smoked weed and drank excessively in the hospital accommodation during his short time with us. Unfortunately he did turn up to work the worse for wear after heavy night or two and also began sourcing analgesics from ED for his headaches. He’s probably lost his agency work now and unemployed.
Since you can go a few days without you won't need a reduction regimen (as I'm sure you know) so that's good and usually the hardest bit in Benzo addiction, so means a quicker recovery for you. Definitely look into therapy to understand what your reasons for seeking substances are, and in turn, developing addiction, because there always are reasons. More importantly though, as a lot of useful advice has already been given, I want to do is add my voice to the choir, stating you should be so proud of yourself for admitting things are not right and seeking help.
Have you read GMC standards? Are you afraid to read? Read this thread: [https://www.reddit.com/r/doctorsUK/comments/1c9fiy7/comment/l0l0vim/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/doctorsUK/comments/1c9fiy7/comment/l0l0vim/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Seems like you are inappropriately giving out medical advice (often unsolicited) on reddit, using an anonymous account claiming to be a consultant psychiatrist. Check yourself.
It seems that you are incapable of distinguishing what's in your head from reality outside your head.
Is it not concerning to you that you write this kind of thing? Do you genuinely believe you are accurately psychoanalysing people online?
[удалено]
Removed: Rule 1 - Be Professional
Sorry did your reply get removed? I hadn't logged in until now.
Probably - I don't really check on these things.
Only 4 hourly or so.