Substance use among professionals and professional students: Transforming occupational performance and experience

Background: Research shows a relatively high prevalence of “hidden” licit, illicit, and pharmaceutical substance use among professionals (e.g. physicians, pharmacists, nurses) and professional students. Individual... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Research shows a relatively high prevalence of “hidden” licit, illicit, and pharmaceutical substance use among professionals (e.g. physicians, pharmacists, nurses) and professional students. Individual decisions about substance use are frequently influenced by personal evaluation of the impact on the performance of certain, valued occupations. Examples include, i) performance enhancement among athletes (e.g. stimulants, steroids), ii) neurological cognitive functioning enhancement among university students (e.g. Adderall, Ritalin), and iii) the enhancement of pleasure during social activities (e.g. ecstasy to enhance the experience of dancing).

Method: This study involved a systematic review and thematic analysis of English, peer-reviewed articles, published between 1990 to 2015. Search terms included profession-specific (e.g. lawyer, attorney) and substance-related terms (e.g. substance use). Selected books were included.

Results: Preliminary analysis demonstrates that substance use is frequently a deliberate choice, with consideration to the ways in which substances may enhance the quality of occupational performance or produce a desired experience. For instance, professional students report that substance use provides relief from stress and anxiety, enhances levels of energy and ability to socialise at parties, and enhances perceived academic capabilities.

Conclusion: This research brings attention to an invisible, yet prevalent, population of substance users; those who use substances in a controlled manner to alter or enhance performance and to alter the experience of daily occupations.

Application to Practice: A more nuanced understanding about substance use can inform social perceptions, guide health practices that attempt to prevent substance use from becoming problematic, and support the development of relevant policy and legislation.