Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Get Help for Substance Use Disorder

The prevalence of chemical dependency among healthcare professionals has been estimated to be between 10% to 15%, which is similar to rates in the general population. Given the increasingly stressful environment due to manpower shortages in the healthcare system in general, substance-induced impairment among some healthcare professions is anticipated to grow. Given the responsibility to the public, any impairment could place the public at increased risk for errors. 

The AANA offers an extensive guide for addressing substance use disorders for anesthesia professionals.  

Signs and Behaviors of Impaired Colleagues 

Early identification of the signs and behaviors associated with substance use disorder and drug diversion reduces the risk of harm to patients and providers. Co-workers play an important role by recognizing and reporting suspicion to supervisors/appropriate chain of command. 

Reporting Impaired Colleagues 

Early identification of the signs and behaviors associated with substance use disorder and drug diversion reduces the risk of harm to patients and providers. Co-workers play an important role by recognizing and reporting suspicion to supervisors/appropriate chain of command.  

Ideally, the anesthesia professional will acknowledge his or her condition, seek help voluntarily, and not require intervention. However, this is often not the case due to denial of condition, stigma, fear of job loss, and other ramifications. Therefore, colleagues play an important role in helping the impaired provider get into treatment by reporting suspicion to a supervisor or the appropriate chain of command. Colleagues often are reluctant to report suspicion for a variety of reasons. 

The priority is the safety of the anesthesia professional and patient in their care. Administrators, colleagues, friends, or family of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists or RRNAs can call the AANA Helpline (800) 654-5167  for concerns and questions related to safely addressing an individual struggling with substance use disorder.  

Colleagues may have certain legal responsibilities in identifying and reporting providers to their supervisor or appropriate chain of command. States may have reporting laws that hold colleagues responsible for harm to patients if they fail to report a coworker in whom substance use disorder is suspected.   

Anesthetists in Recovery (AIR)  

AIR is a national moderated virtual community of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and resident nurse anesthetists in (or in need of) recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). AIR is an organization involved with both education and networking to help one another achieve and maintain sobriety/clean time and reach out to those who still suffer.  Members can post at their comfort level of sharing. It is confidential and anonymous without affiliation to any organization, including the AANA. It has no reporting function with any certifying or licensure body. 

 For information on how to join contact Bridget at 203-996-1322 or Saundra at 502-931-8394.

Anesthetists in Recovery (AIR) Open Support Group meetings are held during AANA in-person conferences. The purpose is to provide support to all who have been touched by addiction and introduce participants to the power of 12 Step Recovery. Please check each AANA conference schedule for date and time.

Establishing Workplace Policies 

Does your facility policy provide steps to help guide individuals on how to report an impaired colleague, ensure confidentiality, and offer guidance for investigating and evaluating the credibility of the allegation? Learn more with the AANA’s Fitness for Duty Workplace Resources.