Substance Abuse Disorders in Nurses

Abstract

Substance abuse is a serious concern in the profession of nursing. The American Nurses Association (1997) estimates that 10% to 20% of nurses have substance abuse problems, and that 6% to 8% of registered nurses are impaired due to their abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Chemical dependency is considered a disease that requires treatment. Early identification and treatment of the chemically dependent nurse is important for the safety of the public and for the well-being of the nurse and her profession. This article addresses substance abuse from a biopsychosocial perspective, and includes a description of an approach to treatment and suggestions for the role of nursing administration.

Substance Use and Mental Illness among Nurses: Workplace Warning Signs and Barriers to Seeking Assistance

“…1,2 Studies also show that stress and other work demands may contribute to substance use 3,4 and mental illness, such as depression. 5 Substance use among nurses is a matter of public safety, putting nurses and their patients at risk.…”

Psychiatric nurses’ ethical stance on cigarette smoking by patients: Determinants and dilemmas in their role in supporting cessation

“…The reasons for this are unclear, although some have suggested that this may be largely due to accessibility, the emphasis on medication use and work‐related stress (Collins et al. 1999; Griffith 1999; Plant et al. 1991; Rowe & Clark 2000; Tagliacozzo et al.…”

Nurses' health: work and family influences

“…It has been estimated that 10% to 20% of nurses have substance abuse problems, and that 6% to 8% of registered nurses are impaired because of alcohol and other drug abuse [32]. This rate is similar to women in other occupations [33].…”