Signs and Symptoms of Substance Misuse in Anesthetists

The only ACTUAL pathological sign is witnessed self-administration of unprescribed or
illicit drugs. There is NO explanation for that activity other than one requiring
treatment as soon as possiblel

Denial is considered the primary sign and symptom of this disease, and is universal to
the addict, friends, colleagues, family and faculty. Symptoms generally appear first in
the community, then the family and finally at work. Addicted physicians as well as
other health care professionals, feel that as long as they can do their job, they do not
have a problem.

Symptoms of opioid addiction in the hospital (anesthesiologists, nurse
anesthetists, and anesthesia assistants)

1. Unusual changes in behavior -- wide mood swings, periods of depression, anger and
irritability alternating with periods of euphoria
2. Sign-out increasing quantities of narcotics and frequent breakage of narcotic vials
3. Inappropriately high doses for procedure being performed
4. Increasingly sloppy and unreadable charting
5. Desire to work alone