Are you hooked, doctor?: addiction among physicians.

In an issue devoted to addictions one dare not overlook the fact that physicians are unfortunately a very addiction-prone group. This paper touches upon the origins, symptoms, and signs of a number of addictions common among physicians. First are the socially respectable addictions of work, food and tobacco. Then a look is taken at the socially unacceptable addictions through a variety of mood-altering drugs from alcohol to narcotics. Most physicians are very keen on maintaining their freedom. One of the greatest threats to the freedom of many physicians is the development of an addiction.