Support for animal rescuers: Researchers aim to reduce alcohol consumption among veterinarians.

The profession of a veterinarian may seem like a noble calling, centered around saving animals, but it actually conceals significant and ongoing stress. Many veterinarians turn to alcohol as a form of relief, a situation that researchers have aimed to address.

2025-01-19 07:44:15https://focus.ua/technologies/689094-pomoshch-dlya-spasiteley-zhivotnyh-uchenye-hotyat-snizit-upotreblenie-alkogolya-sredi-veterinarov

Researchers from Oxford Brookes University have received a grant of £15,000 to initiate a study on alcohol consumption within the veterinary profession, aimed at supporting those who wish to reduce their intake. This issue poses a significant risk factor for pets treated by professionals struggling with this addiction, reports BBC.

The funding, provided by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI), was based on previous findings that identified a link between poor work-related mental health and higher alcohol consumption levels among veterinarians. Many professionals in this field fear the repercussions of seeking help for their alcohol dependency, which presents a serious barrier that this research aims to address.

Leading the study, Dr. Jennifer Seddon, a senior lecturer in psychology at the School of Psychology, Social Work, and Public Health at Oxford Brookes University, noted that data collected as far back as 2009 indicate that veterinary professionals are more likely to consume alcohol in risky amounts compared to the general population. Evidently, this issue persists, with some individuals previously reporting using alcohol as an "emotional crutch."

The research team hopes to identify factors contributing to risky behavior and develop strategies to assist those wishing to reduce their alcohol consumption. The study will analyze alcohol consumption patterns within the veterinary profession to pinpoint specific issues and stressors that may lead to problematic drinking.

Dr. Seddon emphasized the importance of this research in creating effective support systems: "This study will help us understand how best to support individuals in veterinary practice who would like to reduce their alcohol consumption, thereby mitigating various risks." The Director of Professional Development at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Angharad Belcher, highly praised the initiated research for aligning with the MMI strategy to remove barriers to seeking help and encouraging help-seeking behavior.

Veterinarians often experience high levels of work-related stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue, which can contribute to the use of psychoactive substances as a coping mechanism. For instance, the American Veterinary Medical Association has reported that veterinarians are at a greater risk of mental disorders compared to professionals in other fields. This underscores the global relevance of such research and the necessity for comprehensive support systems for those working under high-stress conditions.

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