Alcoholism and Healthcare Workers. Are Frontline Medical Staff Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis?

A new survey reports that a whopping 14% (1 in 7) of American physicians note that they have used alcohol or a controlled substance while working. Additionally, 46% mentioned consuming alcohol or a controlled substance up to 12 hours before their shift. We can all guess that healthcare workers have been stressed out since the pandemic started, but what is going on? And, perhaps most importantly, is anyone doing anything about it? Listen as Dr. Philip Hemphill, Chief Clinical Officer and Strategic Board Advisor for APN, shares what the latest findings show. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the show's official episode page. A celebrated expert with 30 years of experience in the behavioral health and addictive service industry, Dr. Philip Hemphill serves as Chief Clinical Officer and Strategic Board Advisor for APN, where he is responsible for maintaining excellent clinical care across the entire continuum of care that APN offers. As a highly respected thought leader, Dr. Hemphill regularly publishes academic research and is sought after by the top industry conferences where he’s provided hundreds of professional papers, posters, and workshop presentations throughout his illustrious career. Before joining APN, Dr. Hemphill served as a full-time professor of Practice at Tulane School of Social Work where he helped train the next generation. Prior to that, he held leadership positions at premier addiction and behavioral health treatment facilities as Chief Clinical Officer, consultant, director, board advisor, manager, and coach. He assisted thousands of legal, mental health, and medical professionals in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and pioneered the assessment and treatment of professionals based on this work. In 2013, he co-authored “Taming Disruptive Behavior” and Dr. Hemphill’s second book entitled “Integrated Care in Addiction Treatment” was published in 2022. He currently maintains a faculty position at LSU Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, where he has taught didactics since 2000. Our host, Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.