Pharmacist Recovery Program
Every even year in October, since 1987, I have had the privilege
of renewing my pharmacist license with the California State Board of
Pharmacy. I say privilege, because that
is exactly what it is. If I honor a
certain code of conduct, maintain my practice, complete the requisite number of
continuing education hours and send them a check, they will do me the honor
of renewing my license for another two years.
Just the other day I completed my continuing education for
this licensing cycle and sent off my check.
After about two weeks I noticed my check had been cashed; however, I had
not yet received my license in the mail.
Fortunately, the California State Board of Pharmacy has an excellent public
website where anyone can type in the name of a pharmacist and obtain the
current license status of that individual.
I proceeded to do just that and found that my license was clear until
October of 2020.
One Sunday morning, in the Spring of 1996, I phoned the
owner of the store that I was working at and informed him of my substance abuse
addiction. I had reached the level of
incomprehensible demoralization; my family life, spiritual connection and
health were all rapidly deteriorating.
On the phone I told my former boss I was prepared for whatever action he
felt was appropriate.
In his amazing wisdom and kindness he said, “Steve, we’re
going to get you some help.” I met him
an hour later and we were on the phone to the state board of pharmacies
Pharmacist Recovery Program hotline. The
next day I was enrolled in a 28 day inpatient treatment program, learning the
tools of recovery.
Although there were no criminal charges filed, I did make a
statement to the board of pharmacy, describing specifically any controlled
substances I had taken from the store.
For my negligent actions, the state board of pharmacy placed my license
on five years’ probation. After four and one-half years I appealed and
my license was released from probation.
Now, nearly 3 decade later, I am still alcohol and
substance free. My family life is
lovely, I am spiritually connected, and I have been practicing pharmacy with a revived passion that can only come from a second chance. As time passes, I
will elaborate on some of the issues I faced during my recovery from substance abuse; however, today I have a different message.
Current studies show that up to 15% of nurses, doctors and
pharmacists will misuse or abuse controlled substances, without a prescription,
during their career. Another recent
study shows that up to 46% of all pharmacists have used a controlled substance
at some point without a prescription.
We
think we can control it...until we can’t.
“Institutional, local, and statewide impaired-physician
programs are now available for the active treatment and rehabilitation of
impaired healthcare professionals. Many of these programs are also designed to
assist the clinician with reentry into clinical practice. Rarely is punitive
action taken when the healthcare provider undergoes successful treatment and
ongoing follow-up management. Overall recovery rates for impaired healthcare
professionals seem to be higher compared with other groups, particularly with
intensive inpatient management and subsequent follow-up care.” see link
The California
Pharmacists Recovery Program is an excellent resource. As stated on the programs web page, “Through
this program, the chemically dependent or mentally troubled pharmacist is
provided with the hope and assistance required for a successful recovery.”
Cheers,
Steve
This article has been published in the December 2018 California State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter; called the SCRIPT. CLICK HERE to view, then scroll to page 17.