Substance abuse and the radiologic technologist.

Radiologic technologists, like other health care professionals, are at risk for substance abuse and addiction. Substance abuse can have grave consequences for technologists, their patients, and their employers, and all technologists should be alert to the problem and prepared to address it. This article defines substance use terminology, identifies commonly abused substances and their effects, describes risk factors for substance abuse, and discusses possible signs of impairment. Radiologic technologists are reminded of their ethical responsibilities regarding substance use, and substance abuse treatment and prevention are addressed.