White House Drug Czar (1973-1977) Robert Dupont, M.D. (ASAM, FSPHP) and co-author Greg Skipper, M.D, (ASAM, FSPHP) describe the necessity for wider application of this new paradigm in an article published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs in 2012. In reviewing the “successes” of similar programs monitoring commercial pilots, attorneys, probationers, and those in the criminal justice system, they proclaim the “need to reach more of the 1.5 million Americans who annually enter substance abuse treatment, which now is all too often a revolving door.”¹

Dupont and Skipper conclude:

This model of care management for substance use disorders has been pioneered by a small and innovative group of the nation’s physicians in their determination to help other physicians save their careers and families while also protecting their patients from the harmful consequences of continued substance abuse. In fulfilling the professional admonition “physician: first heal thyself,” these physicians have created a model with wide applicability and great promise.¹

1. Dupont RL, Skipper GE. Six lessons from state physician health programs to promote long-term recovery. Journal of psychoactive drugs. Jan-Mar 2012;44(1):72-78.

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