The impaired pharmacist: Rehabilitation, regaining dignity and licensure

Abstract

I received my BS-Pharmacy degree in 1997. I had a great start to my career. I was selected as a participant in a Leadership Pharmacy conference held by my state pharmacist association in 2002. In 2004, my career hit bottom as a result of the disease of addiction. I heard of my state Pharmacists Recovery Network (PRN) in 2005. I started attending their monthly meetings. After going through inpatient treatment for addiction, and reobtaining the privilege to practice pharmacy under a restricted license, I found a position with a hospital pharmacy an hour and a half away from where I was living at the time. Despite the obstacles, I have made it work for the last seven years. Through having a personal understanding and empathy for the disease of addiction, I am making a difference in the lives of pharmacy professionals who attend PRN meetings. I am also involved with the Behavioral Health unit of my hospital, helping patients with chemical dependency as well as other mental health conditions. I have expanded the unit's pharmacy patient education program since starting my position in January 2006. In addition, I attend interdisciplinary rounds on Behavioral Health and provide inservices for the staff. My future career aspirations include taking the BPS exam for the psychiatric pharmacy subspecialty. I am extremely grateful for my second chance in life and hope my story can provide inspiration for other recovering pharmacists. -Anonymous recovering pharmacist 1