***Trigger Warning***

It is important to note that this podcast discusses the sensitive subject of veterinary alcohol and drug dependence as well as mental health. If you feel affected by any of this, please contact Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or via email: https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/.

You can access different support for alcohol use via Alcohol Change UK: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/.

For difficulties with drug and alcohol use support can be found on the Frank website: https://www.talktofrank.com/get-help/find-support-near-you

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Join us this week in an open discussion about drug and alcohol use within the veterinary sector with our very own Robyn Lowe in conversation with David Harris and Olivia Cormier.

David shares his own lived experience of dependence on pain medication following an injury in practice and how with retrospect he can understand what were withdrawal symptoms from the drug, what were mental health difficulties and what was attributable to his physical pain; but at the time it was hard to see the wood from the trees let alone seek support. David frank description of how he managed to overcome his addiction whilst changing from an equine veterinary role to being a vet in small practice. Whilst recognising the challenges he faced he is able to say that he overcame these, largely due to getting the right professional help as well as the support of a few close and trusted friends and family.

Many of the difficulties described by David’s lived experience have been mirrored in research done by Olivia, who after 13 years in equine practice and a psychology Masters is researching alcohol use behaviours, mental health and barriers to help-seeking and alcohol reduction in the UK veterinary sector. We discuss the impact of stigma both from others and directed towards the self in getting support as well as the presence of our regulating body, the RCVS and how fear of negative repercussions on careers is a further barrier to support.

For further information see the following paper:

https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.4532

A second study is currently underway to quantify these findings within the veterinary sector as a whole with Olivia also commencing PhD on the topic this September.