A caduceus meeting or group is a support group for all medical professionals that have the desire to recover from chemical addictions using a 12-step approach. In these groups, impaired professionals can feel confident in sharing their stories with other folks who can relate to their experience.

Is alcoholism common in medical profession?

In particular, alcoholism, and medical professionals with alcoholism, are an all too common, and dangerous, combination. Studies report that at least 10 to 12 percent of healthcare professionals will develop a substance use disorder during their careers, including at least 1 in 10 physicians, and 1 in 5 nurses.

What organization can you join if you want to stop drinking?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international association for anyone who has ever had a problem with alcohol. It is open to anyone regardless of gender, age, or background and is available worldwide.

How do I get an AA referral?

Give the alcoholic the AA Helpline number: 919-783-6144 This phone call will directly connect with a recovering alcoholic member of AA. The individual can ask any question and talk to someone at length about their alcohol problem. For those new to AA, this tends to reduce anxiety about attending their first meeting.

What does the Caduceus symbolize?

The Caduceus is a symbol of Hermes or Mercury in Greek and Roman mythology. Caduceus symbol is identified with thieves, merchants, and messengers, and Mercury is said to be a patron of thieves and outlaws, not a desirable protector of physicians.

What does the rod of Asclepius symbolize?

The Rod of Asclepius combines the snake with a rod, a simple tool. The serpent with its change of skin symbolizes rebirth and fertility. The Caduceus symbol alluded directly to the myth of Hermes, who saw two snakes fighting and touched them with his rod so that the two animals would stop fighting.

What profession has the most alcoholics?

Here we display the report’s rankings defined by percent, for individuals who had past-month heavy alcohol use and who were employed full-time:

• Mining: 17.5.
• Construction: 16.5.
• Accommodations and food services: 11.8.
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation: 11.5.
• Utilities: 10.3.
• Wholesale Trade: 10.2.
• Management*: 9.9.

What percentage of doctors are alcoholics?

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – About 15 percent of surgeons have alcohol abuse or dependency problems, a rate that is somewhat higher than the rest of the population, according to a new survey.

What is the most popular program for recovering alcoholics?

Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), arguably the most well-known alcohol recovery program, is based on a set of spiritual principles that provide tools for living sober.

Can a medical professional attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting?

Anyone may attend open A.A. meetings, but only those with a drinking problem may attend closed meetings. A.A. does not provide medical advice; all medical advice and treatment should come from a qualified health care professional.

Is the AA meeting open to the public?

Many AA meetings are open to the public. Sometimes friends or family of alcoholics also attend. At times people studying to be therapists attend, and frequently if the meeting is smaller there are all-around introductions and those who are not alcoholic identify as visitors.

How to make a referral to Alcoholics Anonymous?

How to Make Referrals to A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous can be found on the internet at and in most telephone directories by looking for ‘ Alcoholics Anonymous’. (Some professionals ask the person they are referring to call the local A.A. number while still in the office, thus offering an immediate opportunity to reach out for help).

Do you need proof of attendance to join Alcoholics Anonymous?

Some arrive voluntarily, others do not. A.A. does not discriminate against any prospective member. Who made the referral to A.A. is not what interests us — it is the problem drinker who elicits our concern. Proof of attendance at meetings. Sometimes a referral source asks for proof of attendance at A.A. meetings.