Addictive Problems in the Veterinary Population

Addicted health professionals are often poly-addicted. In the case of veterinary surgeons the order of drug abuse preference is alcohol, ketamine, benzodiazepines, opiates, street drugs (cannabis, heroin, cocaine and ecstasy) and nitrous oxide. With intervention, and a one-to-one individually tailored therapy programme a high proportion will return quickly to work and to normal family relationships.

Some day to day signs of addictive disease are:

• Being withdrawn and not associating with former friends  
• Inappropriate dispensing and drug ordering
• Keeping large stocks of controlled drugs in the surgery
• Deterioration in general health
• Increased visits to the doctor   
• Reduced fee income
• Cancelling appointments without warning, especially on Monday mornings   
• Secretive about income and debts
• Smelling of drink or appearing unsteady    
• Domestic problems become evident 
• Increased/numerous client complaints   
• Prosecution for drink driving etc.
• Deterioration in appearance or personal hygiene   
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Correspondence neglected and bills not paid   
• Personality changes and mood swings. Nurses often notice this.

Some day to day signs of an eating disorder:

• Rigid or obsessional behaviour attached to eating, such as cutting food into tiny pieces 
• Mood swings
• Restlessness and hyperactivity
• Wearing big baggy clothes
• Vomiting; taking laxatives

What to do if you or someone in your veterinary practice or school needs help:

Often people with an addictive problem don't recognise that they have a problem or delude themselves that they can "handle it". However, family, friends and colleagues are often the first to realise that someone is ill and needs help. Others who perceive the problem and recognise that a vet is incapable of asking for help often need to intervene. 

• A call to the National Co-ordinator of the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme (VSHSP) on 07946 634220 or email to VSHSP@vetlife.org.uk will be completely confidential and will set in motion the procedures for that person to be offered professional help. 
• Support is also available for family, friends and colleagues who are experiencing difficulties dealing with an addicted person from Vet Helpline and the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme.
• Contact your GP
• Contact a private treatment clinic. See the National Treatment Agency's on-line directory of treatment clinics.  The VSHSP National Co-ordinator is available to advise on the choice of a suitable clinic at VSHSP@vetlife.org.uk.
• Follow the links to the left for resources that specifically help with alcohol, drugs, gambling, eating disorders and support for the family. 

For help with understanding addictions, guides are available from these trusted sources: 

• Mind, the UK’s leading mental health charity
• Action on Addiction