The
New York Post, (which IMO is not A-number-one when it comes to accuracy) did not name their source for the information regarding the Dr.’s alcoholism and suicidal thoughts IN THE PAST. However, I would wager to say that it was the same LE source who related that she was at the park with her mom, there were no signs of foul play, etc. as the article attributes all of that information to police/cops/law enforcement.
Alcoholism and/or drug abuse is not particular about its’ victims; ie: neither is limited to bad or stupid people. If in fact she did struggle with alcoholism, it doesn’t take away the fact that she’s a compassionate, hard-working, and accomplished doctor. That all remains true.
The DUI was likely the first time she had any trouble with the law and it must have been soul-crushing for her, but doctors and other health care professionals are experiencing unprecedented challenges and higher levels of stress this year. So, I don't find it difficult to believe that she had issues with alcohol. Again, IF she did.
LE is doing their due diligence by searching the park as it is the last place she was seen. It is a large area with steep inclines (in some places) and three bodies of water. It takes time. MOO
Substance Abuse in Doctors - Statistics & Treatment Options
Alcohol Abuse Among Doctors
A nationwide study of substance use disorders in a large sample of physicians showed that alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among doctors in the United States.5 Data show 12.9% of male physicians and 21.9% of female physicians abuse alcohol, much higher rates than the 6.2% of the overall U.S. population aged 18 years or older with an alcohol use disorder.6 A
5-year cohort study of physician health programs found that alcohol was the primary substance of abuse for more than half of the doctors enrolled in these addiction support and monitoring programs.2
The Abuse of Prescription Drugs Among Doctors
The misuse of prescription drugs, particularly
opioids and
benzodiazepines, is very prevalent among doctors. Nearly 36% of physicians enrolled in physician health programs suffer from opioid abuse.2 Greater access to prescription drugs may help to explain why this form of self-medication is so common among doctors.7 Overall, the rate of prescription drug abuse among doctors is about
5 times higher than in the general population.2
Physician Suicide: A Call to Action (nih.gov)
In addition to general risk factors, the elevated
suicide risk among physicians is likely due to population-specific factors. Physicians are trained in toxicology and have readily available access to lethal medications, and depending on specialty, may have additional expertise that can be turned to lethal use.
1 Doctors are also exposed to high levels of personal and professional stress. They must make life-or-death decisions at work and are constantly at risk of malpractice claims. They may face high-stakes conflicts with administration or colleagues, and many struggle with marital conflict or issues at home because of work demands. To make things worse, increasing oversight and regulation has diminished physicians’ autonomy, which has been linked to decreased job satisfaction and burnout.
4 Moreover, modern physicians are increasingly burdened by cumbersome electronic health records systems and stringent documentation requirements, which now frequently occupy more of their work hours than direct patient care.
14
Substance abuse—which is itself a risk factor for attempted and completed suicide—is another occupational hazard. Female physicians have higher rates of alcohol abuse than women in the general population. Addiction is prevalent especially among emergency physicians, psychiatrists, and anesthesiologists.
13 Substance abuse is associated with impulsivity and worsening affective symptoms. Thus, it is hardly surprising that physicians with substance use disorders have elevated rates of suicide attempt and completion.
