Recovery Is Possible for Pharmacists Facing Substance Use Disorders

Jake Nichols, PharmD, MBA, has maintained his recovery for over 14 years. His struggle with substance abuse began during his pharmacy school years and has significantly influenced his professional journey. At the peak of his addiction, Nichols displayed many common signs in the workplace: arriving late, working extra hours to manage his tasks, and sometimes not showing up at all. Despite these behaviors, his colleagues never identified the underlying issue—or at least they never confronted him about it.

This changed in 2010 while he was working at an oncology specialty pharmacy. Six months into his role, he was caught stealing controlled substances. This incident led to legal troubles, issues with the pharmacy board, and a challenging path to recovery. After undergoing detox and outpatient treatment, Nichols participated in a five-year program through a pharmacy recovery network in Massachusetts.

“I was essentially forced into treatment,” Nichols shared. “At that time, I viewed it as the only way to regain my pharmacy license. Initially, I didn’t recognize my problem as a disease; my focus was solely on returning to work and supporting my family.”

Today, Nichols acknowledges that he has a disease rooted in long-standing issues—and he knows he’s not alone. Studies indicate that healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, have a heightened risk of developing substance use disorders. Approximately 1 in 9 pharmacists will face such a challenge during their careers, with 46% admitting to using controlled substances without a prescription.

Why is this prevalent among pharmacists? Addiction is a multifaceted and chronic condition, heavily influenced by genetics. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse analyzing genomic data from over a million individuals has identified genes commonly associated with substance use disorders. However, genetics are just part of the equation; environmental factors also significantly contribute to substance abuse among pharmacy professionals.

The pharmacy field has come under scrutiny recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unionization efforts in large pharmacy chains, and legislative reforms for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). These elements highlight a toxic work environment marked by high levels of burnout. More than half of pharmacists report experiencing burnout from extended hours, overwhelming workloads, increased patient demands, and a lack of work-life balance.

Burnout is defined as a psychological response to work-related stress, characterized by emotional exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. Beyond leading to various physical health issues, burnout negatively affects mental health, potentially resulting in depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, particularly among healthcare workers.

“Pharmacists have access to many substances that alter the mind,” Nichols noted. “Even if we haven’t used them before, we know they can relieve emotional or physical pain. In a highly stressful work environment, it’s easy for those of us with a genetic predisposition or previous experience to begin taking a pill here and there. It often starts small and quickly escalates to daily use.”

Fortunately, for pharmacists struggling with substance use disorders, numerous treatment options are available, and recovery no longer equates to the end of a career. Nichols points out that the profession has made significant strides since he sought treatment years ago. Many states now offer recovery programs specifically for pharmacists, endorsed by their Boards of Pharmacy. These programs typically involve various forms of recovery monitoring and provide support for pharmacists re-entering the workforce.

Despite progress, stigma around substance abuse remains a significant barrier, preventing many pharmacy professionals from seeking help. Sarah T. Thomason, PharmD, BCPP, BCACP, CGP, FASCP, a member of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority and chair of Pharmacy Practice at East Tennessee State University, highlights that stigma is especially pronounced among pharmacists and other healthcare providers. Although it is taught that substance use disorder is a disease, many still hesitate to seek help due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

“Having a substance use disorder doesn’t mean you’re weak,” Thomason emphasized. “It’s a disease that requires treatment. It’s chronic and relapsing. Long-term recovery typically involves ongoing treatment. Education is crucial—starting with pharmacy students and extending to continuing education for licensed pharmacists—so they feel empowered to intervene and assist colleagues struggling with substance use rather than making them feel inferior.”

Eliminating stigma around substance abuse is vital for encouraging more pharmacy professionals to seek the help they need. While data is limited, reports suggest that treatment for pharmacists is highly effective, with anecdotal evidence indicating an 80% to 85% success rate. Moreover, those who engage in pharmacy assistance programs are significantly less likely to relapse than those who do not. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that recovery is attainable—pharmacists with addiction must first recognize their condition as a disease and reach out for support.

“Recovery is achievable,” Nichols stated. “Due to stigma, we don’t often hear about successful recoveries as much as we should. Millions of individuals are in recovery from substance use disorders, and there are many paths to achieving it. There’s no single approach to recovery; it’s a personal journey that requires effort and self-reflection. But I assure you, if you find yourself in this situation, put in the work, and attain recovery, it is truly worth it.”

For those seeking support in their journey to recovery or looking for reliable pharmacy services, MediServ Pharmacy is here to help. Located in the Bronx, New York, we are dedicated to providing quality care and medication management to our community. Whether you’re in need of professional advice or treatment options, our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you.

For more information on substance use disorders and recovery resources, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for valuable guidance and support.