Alcohol and drug use by surgery residents.

BACKGROUND

Although the use of alcohol and drugs by surgery residents is of concern, no large-scale studies of this specific population exist.

STUDY DESIGN

A one-page, 36-item questionnaire on frequency of use of alcohol and drugs was administered to residents at the conclusion of the American Board of Surgery In-Service Examination.

RESULTS

The survey showed that the use of drugs by surgery residents is relatively low when compared to drug use by other physicians. However, alcohol abuse continues to be a problem, and alcohol is the drug of choice of most residents. Cocaine used by surgery residents is generally obtained from hospital sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the optimistic findings of the survey, the authors advocate the following: Implementation of educational programs to prevent potential abuse of alcohol and drugs, and establishment of tighter controls on cocaine or use of a cocaine substitute for patient care.