To understand the headline for this blog entry you must understand what the true purpose of a drug class is. What do you think drug classes attempt to achieve?
Of course, the majority of people who take California drug classes have been mandated by the court to do so. Given that as a background, obviously drug classes seek to educate about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and offer recipes to prevent a relapse into problematic use. As reported in www.nbcsandiego.com.
If they could be offered prophylactically, perhaps they could keep one from ever using drugs, or helping insure they did not become addicted and abuser. One California doctor wishes he had never developed an addiction.
A San Diego doctor could lose his medical license for abusing alcohol and powerful narcotics, including Oxycodone.
Even the San Diego County Medical Society acknowledges that drug and alcohol abuse among doctors is a significant problem.
Dr. Samuel Gerson is an emergency room doctor, at the UCSD Health System. Dr. Gerson continues to treat patients, even though he admitted stealing another doctor's prescription pad to get Oxycodone and Endocet, powerful and very addictive narcotics.
Both UCSD and Gerson’s lawyer say the doctor is not a threat to his patients, because he is no longer impaired, has completed a drug rehab program, and submits to drug testing and weekly therapy. Would you want him treating you in the ER?
While I believe everyone must be given a second chance, I think Gerson should be mandated to weekly drug tests and not be re-instated until at least 6 consecutive months of clean tests. And I think that another drug class and monthly drug test are in order.