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. Language: en