They hold lives in their hands every day.

But it seems surgeons aren't immune from the same problems that impact the rest of us.

New research finds that about 15 percent of surgeons may have a drinking problem.

A study published in the February 20th issue of "Archives of Surgery" claims alcohol abuse rates among surgeons is higher than that of the general population.

Researchers surveyed more than 25-thousand surgeons -- and got responses from about 7-thousand of them.

The study finds the surgeons most likely to abuse alcohol were those who had a major medical mistake in the previous three months -- and those who were burned out or depressed.

Researchers say the results indicate a "significant problem" that has the potential to impair a surgeon's ability to do the job "with skill and safety."