Senior anaesthetic at Nair Hospital admitted to rehab after being diagnosed as a prescription drug addict
Senior anaesthetic at Nair Hospital admitted to rehab after being diagnosed as a prescription drug addict
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When asked to think of doctors, one always thinks of prescribed medication. However, in case of Dr Shivam Surve, (name changed to protect identity), the association is too close for comfort. 
Dr Surve began consuming Tramadol after suffering continous pain but eventually became a victim of drug abuse
He is currently undergoing treatment in the de-addiction centre at the state-run Gokuldas Tejpal (GT) Hospital in Dhobi Talao for his dependence on the painkiller Tramadol.
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Drug abuse
Surve, a senior doctor in the anaesthesiology department of the civic-run Nair Hospital was admitted to GT Hospital on March 25. During the course of his treatment, the medical staff learnt that Surve was abusing Tramadol.
"He was suffering from constant pain, which led him to start consuming Tramadol to elevate the pain. However, as time passed, he got dependent on the drug as it induces numbness and he also got addicted to the high he got from it," said a doctor treating Surve.
"He is now exhibiting withdrawal symptoms and we have even witnessed bouts of violence after the detoxification process was begun."
Doctors told MiD DAY that Tramadol is commonly prescribed to patients suffering from post-operative pain, usually after orthopaedic procedures.
They said that Tramadol is a prescription drug and cannot be purchased over the counter. "However, Surve had easy access to Tramadol since he works in a hospital," said a doctor, who did not wish to be named.
When MiD DAY contacted Dr Ravi Rannavre, the dean of Nair Hospital, he said, "I was on holiday and am not aware of any of our doctors being admitted for drug abuse. But, I will look into the matter and get back to you."
Habit-Forming
Tramadol, like codeine and morphine, is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The most commonly reported adverse reactions to the drug are nausea, vomiting, sweating, itching and constipation. Drowsiness is also reported as one of its side-effects. Tramadol can be habit-forming and can be dangerous in high doses.u00a0
Voices
"We have treated several cases where individuals have developed addiction to prescription drugs. When a person takes the drug for the first time, it releases chemicals into the brain. A craving then takes over, and people start taking the drug even when they don't need it medically. Doctors are also human beings and they, too, can get addicted to drugs or alcohol."u00a0
Dr Nilesh Shah, head of the psychiatric department at Sion Hospital
"Medical professionals have easy access to such drugs and there are chances of them getting addicted to it. They can't overcome the craving even though they know that the drugs are addictive. I have seen a couple of doctors and nurses who have developed addiction to drugs like pentazocine. Spirit was available easily in hospitals earlier and many ward boys got addicted after drinking."
Dr Bharath Shah, psychiatrist, Lilavati Hospital
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