Higher rate of alcohol abuse among surgeons?

  

February 23, 2012 (WLS) -- A new survey of doctors finds about 15 percent of surgeons have alcohol abuse or dependency problems. That's a rate that is somewhat higher than the rest of the population.

The study in the Archives of Surgery also found that surgeons who showed signs of alcoholism were 45 percent more likely to admit they had made a major medical error in the past three months.

Experts say surgery is a stressful business and there are some people who turn to alcohol to help deal with their stress.

Results also showed alcohol problems were linked with doctors reporting depression and burnout as well.

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