[Addicted anaesthetists]

Abstract

Drug dependence of anaesthetists occurs more often than in other physicians, especially the noxious usage of common substances in anaesthesiology and pain management like opioids and anaesthetics. Opioids are the most frequent abusively taken medication followed by benzodiazepines, illegal drugs, Propofol and Ketamine. Determining for the behavioral pattern is the easy access to the drugs. Especially as some of the addictive-drugs (e. g. Propofol, Ketamine) are not underlying any release-control. Recent German surveys confirm the American figures. For the development of drug dependence many factors like biographic, social and genetic aspects as well as the substances and their potential itself are significant. Furthermore, the presence of many stimuli encourages the relapse-risk for addicted people despite earlier abstinence. At least 16% of all cases and 37% of the Propofol-addiction cases proceed deadly. American studies with structured therapy-, rehabilitation- and follow-up surveillance-programs show a positive prognosis for anaesthetists. In Germany it requires rethinking and the establishment of comparable therapy-offers and facilities.