Treatment Outcomes of Substance-Abusing Physicians

Abstract

Publications relating to outcome of physicians treated for substance abuse were obtained from a computerized literature search and a review of Cumulated Index Medicus for the years 1950–1982. The studies were reviewed regarding such factors as study location, sample size, presence of control groups, treatment modalities and setting, treatment duration, follow-up duration, method of determining outcome, and treatment outcome. Variations in these factors make comparisons of the studies difficult. Shortcomings in the methods of determining outcome raise questions concerning reliability of the data. Suggestions are made for further research for the assessment of treatment and outcome of substance-abusing physicians.