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State of the states and provinces The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not have spe- cific statistics on the prevalence of sub- stance abuse among veterinarians, but it does recognize the problem and the need for assistance. On its website, the AVMA has “Guid-
ing Principles for State Veterinary Well- ness Programs.” The principles say that each state should establish peer assis- tance programs through which veteri- nary professionals with substance abuse issues can get confidential help. The AVMA also has a list of state com-
mittees and individuals that are avail- able to help impaired veterinarians. But only 31 states have such committees or individuals in place, according to the AVMA, meaning that veterinarians in 19 states don’t necessarily have resources available to help specific to the veteri- nary profession. Eighty percent of respondents in the
AAHA survey said that state veterinary boards should play a role in addressing substance abuse issues. Most, if not all boards, will address the issue by taking disciplinary action against an impaired veterinarian. But several state boards have peer
health assistance programs for veterinar- ians who are struggling with substance abuse. States such as Florida and Colo- rado have contracts with outside com- panies that provide assistance. Participa- tion in these programs can often avoid a license revocation or suspension. For example, the Pennsylvania Board
of Professional and Occupational Affairs operates the Professional Health Moni- toring Program (PHMP), which tracks a participant’s progress in one of two treat- ment programs. “There are two distinct tracks within
the PHMP—the Voluntary Recovery Program, or VRP, and the Disciplinary Monitoring Unit, or DMU,” according to Pennsylvania Department of State Press Secretary Ronald Ruman. “Both the VRP and DMU include treatment with a pro- fessional treatment provider, attendance
at support group meetings, monitored practice, required abstention and random urinalysis to monitor compliance with the abstention requirement.” Those who complete the voluntary
program do so confidentially, and no public record is created to mar their repu- tation, Ruman noted. Other states are moving in the direc-
tion of having assistance programs, but are not quite there. The Arizona State Veterinary Medi-
cal Examining Board’s executive direc- tor Victoria Whitmore said the board is in the early stages of developing a plan to contract with an outside organization that would include intervention and sup- port for substance abusers. “It’s important to note that licensees/
certificate holders will be able to self- refer into the new program before any Board investigation or disciplinary action occurs,” Whitmore said. “By doing so, they may enter into a non-disciplinary and confidential contract with the plan admin- istrator for participation in the plan.” The boards of other states, such as Massachusetts, do not have any type of program in place and simply prohibit an impaired veterinarian from practicing. “Our Board of Registration in Veteri-
nary Medicine does not have any specific outreach or treatment programs for vet- erinarians involved in abusing drugs or alcohol,” said Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regula- tion spokeswoman Jayda Leder-Luis. “The Board’s primary mission is to pro- tect the public by licensing qualified indi- viduals as veterinarians, and by enforc- ing the licensing laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.” Canadian veterinary organizations also
recognize the issue of addiction in veteri- nary practices, and some take a very pro- active approach to addressing addiction. Duane Landals, BSc Ag., DVM, senior
advisor for the Alberta Veterinary Medi- cal Association, said that by addressing the wellness of veterinarians and techni- cians, the association is serving the pub- lic interest as well as its members.
“Our organization has a fund, sup-
ported by members’ voluntary contribu- tions, that allows us to provide an inter- est-free loan to the member to finance residential treatment for addiction,” Landals said. “When they are capable of being reinstated, they must participate in a formal aftercare management plan with an association-directed addictions spe- cialist and they must sign an agreement for repayment of the loan.” The Alberta VMA’s wellness program
also provides up to three hours of free consults with a psychologist. Members can use this service anonymously and may use it to help with stress, addiction concerns or any other personal issues. “This program has been in place for a
number of years, and about 20 members (out of 3,000) access it annually,” Lan- dals said. “The objective is to encourage members to seek professional help before their personal situation causes a risk to the public.”
A ways to go Many respondents to the survey said
that stress, depression and easy access to drugs add up to a recipe for increased risk of substance abuse. Compassion fatigue can also increase the likelihood for a veterinarian or technician to turn to drugs or alcohol. “Practicing veterinary medicine and
just living life can be stressful,” said one respondent. “From the time we are in college, we are shown that relaxing can involve alcohol and other relaxants. Unfortunately, healthy alternatives such as exercise, meditation and interactive socializing are not as glamorous, so the unhealthy choices are made.” Whatever the reason, there is no doubt
that this problem is out there, and while there is help available, there is definitely room for more options for individuals struggling with addiction and those who wish to help them. What do you think? Send your thoughts on this topic to
trends@aahanet.org. n
Ben Williams is Editor of Trends. Trends magazine, May 2013
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