Healthcare Professionals Program
Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals are just as vulnerable to the disease of addiction as the patients they care for.
Caron Pennsylvania recognizes the needs of healthcare professionals who may be struggling with a chemical dependency. During the treatment process, Caron professionals work with patients to help them cope with their addiction and learn skills to maintain a lifetime of sobriety. By overcoming the shame associated with admitting they have an addiction, healthcare professionals are able to regain their lives both professionally and personally.
Residential Assessment Program for Healthcare Professionals
The assessment, which normally takes five days, is designed to rule in or rule out a diagnosis of chemical dependency, evaluate for co-occurring disorders, and identify potential relapse indicators. The assessment includes:
- Addiction medicine assessment
- Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation
- History and physical evaluation
- Lab studies - including comprehensive drug screens
- Family assessments
- Gathering of collateral information from the patient, family, and referent(s)
During the assessment, the patient’s individualized treatment team will also coordinate with the referent(s), which might include state advocacy programs and/or licensure boards, and meet with the patient and their family to review the assessment findings in order to develop a customized and individualized treatment plan.
Goals of the Healthcare Professionals Program
Shame is a normal part of the disease of addiction, but healthcare professionals have the added concern that admitting they have an addiction may cost them the respect of their patients and peers, the integrity of their profession, and their license. Keeping these factors in mind, the Healthcare Professionals Program is comprehensive with the following goals:
- Introduce the 12-Steps
- Provide a safe place to come to terms with addictive behaviors and begin to develop tools for recovery and relapse prevention
- Overcome shame and denial
- Address sensitive or compromising issues in a private setting with others who understand the unique circumstances of healthcare professionals
- Develop an individualized recovery plan that incorporates the particular re-entry issues of healthcare professionals
- Identify barriers to sustained sobriety that are specific to healthcare professionals
The Treatment Process
Treatment for healthcare professionals is under the executive leadership of Caron Pennsylvania’s highly experienced and credentialed addiction medicine team, with nearly 50 years of combined experience working with this patient population.
Patients will have a multi-disciplinary, individualized treatment team who will follow the patient throughout their treatment stay. In addition to treatment within the general patient population, healthcare professionals participate in specialized individual and group therapy, including a weekly Caduceus Group meeting, that deals with issues particular to their profession including:
- Professional persona
- Impact addiction has on one’s medical practice and patient care
- Ease of access to drugs and self-medication
- Re-entry and practice safety issues
- Professional licensure programs
- Professional advocacy programs
Aftercare
At the conclusion of treatment, patients receive an individualized continuing care plan addressing the recovery needs of the healthcare professional. Caron will also work with professional health groups and state agencies when appropriate. Additionally, Caron Pennsylvania’s Recovery Care Services provides support and guidance to patients and their families one year post-discharge through monthly phone calls intended to look at the patient’s daily program and identify relapse warning signs in order to keep individuals on the right track. Caron’s goal is to offer our patients the best opportunity for Recovery for Life.
