The idea of using concerned caring peers to intervene on behalf of another peer who is suffering from the disease of chemical dependency is a rather new concept in our society. However, the idea has produced great success and today we find that most professional societies sponsor a peer-assistance program. Peer programs are easy to access and provide an array of services. Some of the services extend to the entire professional population. Such things as continuing education credit and monitoring of recovering pharmacists for an employer can benefit all members of the profession. Because peer programs work very closely with State Boards of Pharmacy, advocacy can be provided for the recovering pharmacist. A person who feels the need to report a suspected impairment can feel comfortable that the peer committee and the professional licensing board will handle the problem in a fair and confidential manner. Colleagues, coworkers, spouses, or any concerned person should feel good about using the services of a peer-assistance committee. Use of these services can make the difference in saving the professional career or possibly the life of a peer or loved one.
