<DIV>Prescription drug abuse represents a serious and growing public health problem in the medical profession. We the public have a right to know what we are getting into when we walk through the doors of a hospital or doctor's office.<br><BR>One to two percent of all healthcare professionals will become addicted each year. This figure is rough, since not every addicted healthcare professional overdoses, gets caught or ends up in a treatment program or before the state medical or nursing board for disciplinary action. If they do enter treatment they may do so anonymously or not through a referral from a state agency. Because of these issues, the prevalence of addiction in the population of healthcare professionals remains unknown.<br><br>?Addiction is a disease of isolation," states Bryson. It is rare that the addicted healthcare professional has the luxury of a confidant. If they are discovered, they fear they will lose their jobs, their licenses and the ability to find another job, as well as the respect of former colleagues, family<BR></DIV>