The Addicted Physician
Neil Rifenbark, MD; Jan Shoenberger, MD; and Mel Herbert MD
PERSPECTIVE
- This is a personal story of an emergency physician. He explains his addiction to alcohol and then fentanyl. He describes the “hijacking” of his brain chemistry by fentanyl to the point of stealing it from the hospital and being prepared to committ suicide if discovered.
- A physician wellness program (PHP) saved his life and could save yours. Seek help as soon as possible. Addiction among emergency physicians is extremely common and does not mean the end of one's career.
References
SAMHSA US Health hotline:https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Berge KH, Seppala MD, Schipper AM. Chemical dependency and the physician. Mayo Clin Proc 2009; 84(7): 625–31.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2704134/
EM:RAP Suicide Risk in Physicians: https://www.emrap.org/episode/suicideriskin/suicideriskin
Harold S. - December 26, 2021 5:44 PM
Amazing strength. Great addition to EMRAP.
Michelle L. - January 2, 2022 1:15 PM
Thank you for your courage, Neil - to go through treatment and to do this segment. Best wishes to you and your family
tom f. - January 10, 2022 3:19 AM
This was one of the more powerful pods I’ve ever heard. Thank you Neil and Jan
Tom
Andy K. - February 15, 2022 1:30 PM
Beautiful , I stand and applaude Neil Rifenbark . We stay sober , I get drunk/stoned . Showing others there's a way out , welcoming them into the warmth of the campfire ( Recovery ) out from the cold and loneliness of active addiction . Thank you EM Rap !