It is often difficult to identify an impaired colleague.  The list below includes signs and symptoms; one or more may indicate substance abuse or chemical dependency in an anesthesia professional.  Once identified or if you have any questions, see Getting Help, or call the helpline (800) 654-5167 for assistance.

Identifying Impaired Colleagues

These patterns of behavior and consequences are associated with substance misuse and dependency:

• Comes to work during scheduled time off and loiters around departmental drug supply
• Isolated and withdrawn from peers
• Frequent bathroom breaks or disappears on duty
• Desire to take extra call
• Increased or unexplained tardiness or absenteeism
• Gradual decline in work performance
• Consistently signs out more narcotics than peers
• Patterns of inappropriate drug choices and dosages
• Increased labile mood with frequent, unexplained anger and overreaction to criticism
• Increased difficulty with authority
• Forgetful, unpredictable, confused, and lacks concentration
• Frequent illnesses or physical complaints
• Dishonesty, often over trivial or unimportant matters
• Elaborate excuses
• Tremors or "Monday morning shakes"
• Evidence of alcohol or drug use, such as odor of alcohol on breath, heavy perfume or mouthwash, wearing long sleeves
• Intoxicated at social functions
• Discovered comatose or dead