An addiction is incurable, with generally the only treatment, apart from medicated withdrawal, being complete abstinence. Before 1980, addicted doctors were struck off the register. If they simply join a treatment program, nothing usually changes, so there is no real reason to fight the addiction when a treatment is over. People generally give up an addiction, because they are determined to do so. I don't think they have the same dedication, if they are giving up because they have been caught. The ability to practice gives doctors direct access to some of the drugs that are prime concerns. Temptation is not what an addict needs. There also should be a distinction between addictions. Each addictive substance has it's own properties, that can have diverse effects, which can both sharpen and dull the knife. Sometimes both at the same time. We shouldn't assume that because they are doctors they should know better, doctors thinking that can be the start of the problem.

Why don't we let people who have these addictions legally drive motor vehicles as long as they stick to their rehab program???

Letting people with addictions loose with a scalpel would seem to me to be bordering on the insane....

oops!
After vehicles insert "without concern"