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Signs and Symptoms of Substance Misuse
Disorder
In the Anesthesia Provider (continued from page 1)
Confidential

Substance Abuse

Chemical Dependence

Mental Health

Workplace Issues
6. refuse lunch relief or breaks
7. frequently relieve others
8. volunteer for extra cases (especially cardiac, where narcotics are being used in
large quantities)
9. volunteer for extra call, come in early and leave late
10. at the hospital when off duty to stay near supply
11. frequent bathroom breaks
12. difficult to find between cases, often napping after using or unexplained absences
13. desire to administer narcotics personally in postanesthesia care unit
14. patients’ pain out of proportion to narcotic record
15. wear long-sleeved gowns to hide needle marks and stay warm
16. pinpoint pupils
17. signs and symptoms of withdrawal, especially diaphoresis, tremors, mydriasis,
rhinorrhea,
myalgias, nausea and vomiting
18. weight loss and pale skin
19. undetected addicts found comatose
20. untreated addicts are found dead
21. quality of care issues -- malpractice, behind on charts