Benzodiazepines: Narratives of addiction and recovery of an anesthesiologist

Abstract

Recently there has been an increase in the abuse of prescription drugs. Anesthesiologists are at risk for excessive workload and the easy access they have to the substance. A single case study was conducted with narrative design. An in-depth interview was conducted with an anesthesiologist, with the aim of knowing the narratives of addiction to benzodiazepines and recovery. A formal narrative analysis was performed to identify the trajectory of the story and the primary transited stages from the beginning of consumption to rehabilitation. Additionally, a categorical narrative analysis was done using the MAXQDA software version 12, to identify the main themes in the account of the participant. The results show that while consumption initiation occurs during medical prescription, various events expected at the life stage of the participant, trigger addiction. The lack of support networks and employment status prevents timely treatment seeking. Family and social support and development of spirituality, are identified as key elements that allow recovery.