Substance abuse and dependence in physicians: an overview of the effects of alcohol and drug abuse.

Substance abuse and dependence (alcohol and drugs) are behavioral disorders and treatable medical diseases. Early intervention followed by appropriate treatment can often help return physicians to healthy personal and professional lives. Current scientific evidence suggests the prevalence of substance abuse or dependence among the medical profession over a lifetime is approximately 10-15%, slightly in excess of the general population. The initiation of intervention is critical and ultimately may be lifesaving.