Problem drinking among medical practitioners is an important health hazard and has been much ignored in the past. There is considerable evidence to suggest that doctors constitute a high risk group in respect of drinking problems. Follow-up studies of alcoholic doctors have given variable results but on the whole there is room for a reasonable degree of optimism.Scottish and Irish practitioners would appear to be particularly vulnerable and the writer's study in Glasgow suggests the possibility of a higher degree of risk among general practitioners.The general issue of the sick doctor is now receiving attention from the newly constituted General Medical Council and the new procedures should be observed with interest.The causal factors of problem drinking among doctors are multiple.Early recognition of the problem among doctors can lead to worthwhile treatment. There is, however, a need for preventive and health education measures among the medical profession.
展开▼
