What Is a Caduceus Group?
A caduceus group is a peer support meeting specifically for healthcare professionals who are in recovery from chemical addiction. Based on the 12-step model used in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, caduceus groups offer medical professionals a confidential space to share their experiences with others who understand the unique pressures, stigma, and professional consequences that come with addiction in a healthcare career.
Unlike general AA or NA meetings, caduceus groups are designed exclusively for those in the medical field — physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other licensed practitioners. That shared professional context is the core value: attendees can speak openly about workplace triggers, licensing concerns, and career recovery without explaining the stakes to someone outside the field.
Who Can Attend a Caduceus Group Meeting?
Any licensed healthcare professional with the desire to recover from chemical addiction is eligible to attend a caduceus group. There is no formal application, no fee, and no requirement to be currently in treatment. Caduceus groups are open to practitioners at any stage — whether newly in recovery, working through a licensing board agreement, or several years sober and looking for continued peer connection.
The meetings are not limited to physicians. Nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, veterinarians, and other credentialed healthcare providers are all welcome.
Are Caduceus Meetings 12-Step Based?
Caduceus groups grew out of the 12-step tradition but are not required to follow a strict 12-step format. Many caduceus meetings are less structured than traditional AA or NA meetings and can serve as an entry point for professionals who are hesitant to engage with 12-step programs directly. For practitioners who do want to pursue AA or NA, caduceus meetings often serve as a bridge.
Are Caduceus Meetings Free?
Yes. Caduceus groups are offered in the spirit of AA and NA — there is no membership fee or attendance cost. Some groups may request a small voluntary donation to cover the cost of the venue or refreshments, but participation is never contingent on payment.
Are Caduceus Meetings Required Under Impaired Practitioner Agreements?
Sometimes. Many licensing boards and physician health programs — including the Ohio Physicians Health Program (OPHP) — require practitioners under monitoring agreements to participate in ongoing support groups as part of their aftercare plan. Caduceus meetings can satisfy this requirement, though the specific requirement varies by board and agreement terms. The key component is typically an active aftercare plan, not a mandated group format. A caduceus meeting typically qualifies, but practitioners should confirm with their monitoring organization.
Where Can I Find a Caduceus Group Meeting?
Caduceus meeting times and locations are maintained by the International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous (IDAA). The IDAA’s mission is to carry the message of recovery to healthcare professionals and their families. Membership is free and requires only a name and email address. Once registered and verified, members can access a PDF directory of caduceus group meetings, times, and locations.
To register, visit: https://www.idaa.org/21/
The Ridge Ohio is not affiliated with the IDAA. This information is provided as a resource. The IDAA asks that meeting lists not be shared publicly in order to protect the anonymity of group leaders.
Treatment for Impaired Medical Professionals in Ohio
For healthcare professionals who need structured treatment — not just peer support — The Ridge Ohio is one of only three providers in Ohio approved to perform all phases of evaluation and treatment under the Ohio “One Bite Rule.” This designation is granted through the Ohio Physicians Health Program (OPHP) and reflects The Ridge’s physician-led clinical model, credentialed staff, Joint Commission accreditation, and established relationships with Ohio’s medical licensing boards.
The Ridge Ohio works directly with the Ohio Medical Board, the Ohio Board of Nursing, and other licensing bodies throughout the state. For practitioners facing a licensing review, a board-mandated evaluation, or a return-to-practice determination, The Ridge is equipped to manage both the clinical and compliance dimensions of treatment.
Services available to impaired practitioners at The Ridge Ohio in Cincinnati include:
- 72-Hour Evaluation / One Bite Assessment — the formal evaluation required under OPHP guidelines
- Medical Detox — physician-supervised withdrawal management
- Residential Treatment — full-time inpatient rehab with individualized treatment planning
- PHP and IOP — step-down care for professionals transitioning back to work
- Up to 52 Weeks of Aftercare — structured continuing care with compliance documentation
If you are a healthcare professional in Ohio seeking a confidential evaluation, call The Ridge Ohio at 513-457-7963. Insurance verification is available at no cost.
Caduceus Groups FAQ
What is the difference between a caduceus group and AA or NA? Caduceus groups are designed exclusively for healthcare professionals and create a peer-to-peer environment where attendees share the specific context of medical careers, licensing concerns, and professional accountability. AA and NA are open to anyone. Many practitioners attend both — caduceus groups for professional peer support and AA/NA for the broader recovery community.
Can I attend a caduceus group if I’m not currently in treatment? Yes. Caduceus meetings are open to any healthcare professional who wants to recover from addiction, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in a formal treatment program.
Will attending a caduceus group affect my medical license? Voluntary participation in a support group is generally viewed favorably by licensing boards. However, if you are under a monitoring agreement, you should confirm with your oversight organization whether caduceus meetings satisfy your required aftercare participation.
What is the Ohio Physicians Health Program (OPHP)? The OPHP is a non-disciplinary monitoring program that helps physicians, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals in Ohio get treatment for substance use disorders while protecting the public and preserving practitioners’ ability to work. The Ridge Ohio is one of a small number of programs in Ohio approved by OPHP to conduct evaluations and provide treatment.
What is the “One Bite Rule” in Ohio? The Ohio One Bite Rule is a policy that gives healthcare professionals who are self-reporting a substance use issue for the first time an opportunity to seek treatment without automatic license revocation. The Ridge Ohio is one of only three providers in the state authorized to conduct the evaluation and deliver the treatment required under this rule.
How confidential are caduceus meetings? Caduceus groups operate under the same anonymity traditions as AA and NA. What is shared in meetings stays within the group. The IDAA also specifically asks that meeting lists not be publicly distributed to protect the privacy of participants.
Can a nurse or pharmacist attend caduceus groups, or are they only for physicians? Caduceus groups are open to any healthcare professional — physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, physical therapists, and other licensed practitioners are all welcome.
Does The Ridge Ohio accept insurance for impaired practitioner treatment? Yes. The Ridge Ohio verifies insurance at no cost. Many PPO and private insurance plans cover a significant portion of treatment. Call 513-457-7963 to confirm your benefits before you begin.
What happens if a healthcare professional refuses treatment under an OPHP agreement? Refusing treatment or failing to comply with a monitoring agreement can result in license suspension or revocation. The Ridge Ohio’s admissions team is experienced in working with practitioners who are navigating these agreements and can advise on the process. Call 513-457-7963 for a confidential conversation.
How do I refer a colleague to The Ridge Ohio for an impaired practitioner evaluation? Referring professionals can contact The Ridge Ohio directly at 513-457-7963 or through the referring professionals page at theridgeohio.com/admissions/referring-professionals/. The team can advise on the evaluation process, timeline, and insurance coverage. All inquiries are confidential.
