Addiction treatment for healthcare professionals

Often taking care of others' needs before their own, in a fast-paced work environment, healthcare workers may have a difficult time coping with the stresses of everyday life. Our addiction treatment program, designed specifically for medical professionals, will help you navigate through every step of recovery.

Substance misuse in healthcare professionals

Addiction refers to the use of substances such as alcohol or drugs, usually to experience a euphoric effect. This can lead to a substance misuse disorder.

The signs of a substance misuse disorder may be difficult to spot, especially for those who work in healthcare. Here are some things to look for:

• Personality changes, like becoming more agitated or irritable
• Disappearing for long periods of time
• Frequent work absences
• Preferring or changing to night shift
• Incomplete or inconsistent charting

If someone exhibits these behaviors, it doesn’t mean they’re misusing drugs or alcohol, but it’s important to recognize the signs.

Common reasons someone working in healthcare might misuse drugs or alcohol include:

• High-stress work environment
• Access to pharmaceuticals
• Exposure to trauma
• High-profile status in profession and community

Addiction treatment for healthcare professionals

Our addiction treatment program is specifically designed for the unique challenges that healthcare professionals face, to help them return to a life without alcohol or drug addiction.

We blend the following components into our treatment program to give you the greatest chance of success:

• Intensive group therapy with other healthcare professionals
• Re-entry planning for the transition back to work, family and community
• Network of recovering healthcare professionals
• Stress management training
• Education and treatment for co-occurring conditions
• Recurrence of use prevention groups
• Weekly Caduceus recovery support group meetings
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Help with withdrawal or detox
• Inpatient and outpatient health care professional evaluations

Recreation therapy is particularly effective with healthcare professionals seeking treatment for chemical dependency. By accomplishing group tasks in a recreational context, people in our Healthcare Professionals Program are able to confront defenses commonly associated with their professions, such using reasoning to block confrontation.  

Addiction treatment at Geisinger Marworth

The addiction treatment at Geisinger Marworth team has helped countless people recover from addictions. No matter what your situation may be, we’re here for you with:

• Compassionate, confidential care – More than 40,000 individuals have turned to Geisinger Marworth for help with drug and alcohol addiction. With counselors available 24/7, we focus on treating the whole person — not just the symptoms of addiction. That’s why you’ll find a variety of treatments, including recreational therapy, medication-assisted therapy and more.
• Leading-edge therapies – We offer many paths to help you achieve long-lasting recovery. Overcoming alcohol or drug addiction is possible. Everyone’s journey is unique, which is why we offer a wide range of specialized services and treatments. You’ll find treatment programs in clinics and hospitals throughout our region, so you can receive support close to home.
• Backed by healthcare system – As part of Geisinger health system, locations throughout northeast, central and south-central Pennsylvania mean you don’t have to travel far to get the care and help you need. For inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment, find an addiction treatment center that’s close to you by calling 800-442-7722.