About 10% of the general population abuses drugs or alcohol, and the same rate of drug abuse can be found among health care professionals. Statistically, though, doctors are more likely to abuse prescription drugs than their patients. Long hours, high stress, and easy access to prescription medications may explain the high rates of substance abuse among doctors. But, not all substance abuse rates are equal among medical professionals. Certain specializations are at higher risk of drug abuse than others.

For example, psychiatrists, emergency room doctors, anesthesiologists, and nurses abuse prescription drugs the most. Surgeons and pediatricians are the least likely to abuse drugs. However, surgeons have some of the highest rates of tobacco and alcohol use. Psychiatrists tend to abuse benzodiazepines the most, while anesthesiologists abuse opioid drugs. Emergency room doctors have the highest standards of illegal drug use among all healthcare professions. Female surgeons are more likely to abuse alcohol than male surgeons. Surgeons reported that depression, burn out, and making a medical error were the most significant contributors to their alcohol abuse.

A high-stress career coupled with long hours, massive student loans, and a shrinking job market all contribute to high substance and alcohol abuse rates among lawyers. Attorneys within their first decade of practice are the most at-risk of having a drinking problem, with 29% of surveyed attorneys in this group reporting problematic drinking patterns. Most surveyed attorneys didn’t start to drink heavily until they began practicing law, while the majority of problem drinkers start drinking heavily as young adults. Depression and anxiety related to job stress are significant contributing factors for substance abuse rates among lawyers.

80% of male food service workers and 64% of female food service workers participate in problem drinking behaviors. 19.1% of all food service workers abuse illicit and prescription drugs. People who work in the restaurant industry tend to be young, which may partially explain high rates of substance abuse in this demographic. However, stressful environments, low wages, and shift work may also play a role. Food service workers will sometimes abuse amphetamines or cocaine to stay awake during long shifts. Erratic and unpredictable schedules may also contribute to the use of legal and illegal drugs among restaurant workers.