Chemical Addiction in the Healthcare Setting
Addiction is a compulsive need to habitually use a mind altering substance. Addiction can target anyone, even someone who works in the healthcare field who trained to aid patients with medication. When a healthcare professional is addicted to a substance, it should be immediately reported for the safety of that nurse 's client. Just because a nurse has an addiction does not mean that their career is over because there are many programs that can help them fight the addiction and regain their title as nurse. It is our moral obligation as a nurse to protect the addicted nurse and her clients by confronting them and reporting their behaviors. Addiction can be a hard thing to spot in people, especially when the addict has learned to hide their addiction. Even in those who know how to hide it there are some signs to look for that an addict will unknowingly show. Some signs to look for are “smell of alcohol on breath or frequent use of strong mouthwash or mints; impaired coordination, sleepiness, shakiness, and/or slurred speech; bloodshot eyes; mood swings and memory loss; neglect of personal appearance; excessive use of sick leave, tardiness, or absent after a weekend off, holiday, or payday; frequently ‘forgetting’ to have another nurse witness wasting of a controlled substance;”(Sommer, 2013). Educating nurses and nurse manager of these signs to look for is the first step in lowering the amount of accidents caused by impaired
Addiction is a chronic brain disease that often results in some sort of relapse. Addiction is characterized by inability to control drug use which results in problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships. This disease causes compulsive behaviors such as the need to use drugs despite the many harmful consequences that affect the addicted individual and those around him or her. Although for most people, the initial decision to use drugs is a one time lapse in judgement, the brain is easily affected by these drugs if the person decides to use these drugs multiple times. The changes that occur to the brain over time will cause the addicted person’s ability to resist the intense impulses of drugs to be altered causing the addict to often give into the temptation of these drugs. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. Drug addiction is an issue that many people deal with whether they are the addict or the addict is their loved one; but with a good source of support anyone can over come the challenges and consequences of addiction.
Jackie was one of the growing numbers of nurses who are impaired because of addiction. Sullivan (1994) cited that “nurses who abuse substances not only place themselves at risk for physical, emotional, and professional harm, but also create hazards for the institutions in which they work as well as the public” (p. 20). To deal with the issue posed by an impaired nurse, “nursing leaders must consider legal, regulatory, ethical, humanistic, and practical considerations in
Nurses, especially nurses working on an Addiction Medicine unit, are well-positioned to provide patient and family education on opioid addiction (Manworren, 2015; Painter, 2017). Effective patient and family education can theoretically improve the capacity for patients at risk for opioid dependence and/or patients experience opioid dependence to cope with the problem, reduce risks, and prevent relapse (Costello et al., 2016; McNeil et al., 2015). Nurses working on an inpatient unit provide patient education as part of regular daily care and during the course of discharge planning and management (Costello et al., 2016). Patient and family education related to the patient’s diagnosis and/or reason for admission is standard practice on most units. However, nurses, including nurses working on an addiction treatment unit, may lack sufficient knowledge in opioid addiction prevention and management to provide suitable patient-centered education to patients and their families (Costello et al., 2016). Moreover, there is currently no established model or protocol for nursing-directed patient and family opioid addiction education (Costello et al., 2016; Manworren,
Over the years, substance abuse in the United States has become a persistent issue affecting many individuals. In 2008, it was estimated that 17.8 million Americans over the age of 18 where substance dependent (Epstein, Burns, & Conlon, 2010). Many of these individuals being affected are nurses. Ponech (2000) stated that "approximately 10% of the nursing population has alcohol or drug abuse problems, and 6% has problems serious enough to interfere with their ability to practice" (as cited in Talbert, 2009, p.17). Studies show that nurses have a 50% higher rate of substance abuse compared to the rest of the public (Epstein et al., 2010). Among the many factors that contribute to the nurse’s issue of substance abuse,
According to the SAMHSA (2010) report on the national survey on drug use and health almost 22.5 million people are reported to be associated with substance abuse disorder (SAMHSA, 2010). This illness was found to be very common in all age groups, both sex, and seniors. There are several effects on these individuals and their families. Many people who suffer from substance abuse disorders fail to acknowledge these serious consequences. First of all, no response of pain relief can be seen with smaller doses of pain medications, as their bodies are used to high levels of various substances at the same time. Nurses become frustrated when they try to treat and help these patients with pain. Sometimes it is difficult to think about ethical principles when nurses have to deal with such patients with pain and suffering.
Hospital nursing professionals are faced with many stressful situations in the workplace and at home. Some nurses try to cope with stress by turning to alcohol. In my professional opinion, alcohol should never be used as a coping mechanism. Eventually one or two alcoholics drinks a week turn into daily excessive and uncontrollable use. Impairment at work leads to an inability to critically think and make safe decisions. Alcohol impairment slows reaction time and alters judgement (CDC, 2016). These symptoms lead to a dangerous environment for the patient, other staff members and anyone having contact with the intoxicated nurse (CDC, 2016).
It is no secret that the United States is currently experiencing a shortage of nurses . “The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics ( 2009 ) estimated that more than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2018 to meet the increased demands of the health care workforce” (). The stressful conditions under which nurses work, due in part to the nursing shortage, are among the risk factors that contribute to nurses’ abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol. Nurses are unique in that they work in an environment where they not only have access to controlled substances, but also are exposed to critically ill patients, traumatic situations, death and dying, the stress of which can increase the risk of substance abuse. (Epstein, Burns, & Conlon, 2010). Unfortunately, it is the patient that suffers the most.
As Heise states, substance abuse among nurses a growing problem that is often overlooked by society. Addiction has been a problem in the nursing profession for over one hundred years (as cited in Monroe & Kenaga, 2010). According to the American nurses association, it is speculated that 6%-8% of nurses have a drug or alcohol related problem (as cited in Trinkoff & Storr, 1998). Substance abuse not only affects the individual abuser, but also can negatively impact those around them, most significantly their patients. Chemical dependence if often viewed as a lack of will power, but through education and research, this issue should be looked at as an actual disease. The education of nursing students is the first step in helping those with a
* Attention : Is it possible that you or someone you love is addicted to prescription drugs?
Long term, it is much easier and cheaper to perform preventive health care than to try to manage acute and/ or chronic diseases. All at risk individuals should be given education on the dangers of developing a substance abuse problem, emphasizing that it can happen to anyone- young or old, rich or poor, etc. Health care providers need to address the supposed invincibility commonly associated with those who excessive drink alcohol or use drugs. These individuals are not quite as invincible nor do most have everything as under control as they may think. Although many may know the dangers, it is important to explain that the negative health impacts may not be noticeable right away, but the damage is still being done. Additionally, these at risk patients should work with social workers or case management to set up referrals to substance abuse cessation programs within the
The most common substance of abuse in the world is alcohol. This is because it is legal and readily accessible. Most mental health professionals will use the CAGE questionnaire. This asks 4 questions. The first is, "do people complain about my drinking?" The second is, "do I get annoyed when people complain about my drinking?" The third is, "do I feel guilty about my drinking?" The last is, "Do I ever need an eye-opener?" An eye-opener is a drink in the morning. This is usually consumed to relieve a hangover. If the answer is "yes" to 2 or more of these questions, there is a high likelihood the individual is struggling with addiction. Positive responses are signs that a serious problem exists and needs to be
In first talking about substance use, abuse and addiction as it relates to the Nursing profession it is necessary to understand the aspect of addiction. Drug use is a broad idea that refers to the use of any chemical substance rather legal or illegal. This topic includes prescription drugs, street drugs, herbal supplements, and the like. The term Drug abuse is defined as “the use of a substance or substances in such a way that it leads to measurable personal, interpersonal, or social consequences” (Faupel, C., E., Horowitz, A., M., & Weaver, G., S., 2010, p.20). Drug addiction is then regarded as “a compulsive use of chemicals (drugs or alcohol) and the inability to stop using them despite all the problems caused by their use” (National
A survey has been recorded about the prevalence of chemical dependency in nurses. About 2.6 million registered nurses are employed in the United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). The American Nurses Association estimates that about 10% of the RN
Addiction treatment is a complex and paradoxical issue. Despite the fact that most of the medical and academic institutions define addiction as a chronic brain disease, it is too often treated on an acute basis. Chronic conditions are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as requiring ongoing management over a period of years or decades and cover a wide range of health problems. The goals of chronic care are not to cure, but to enhance functional status, minimize distressing symptoms, prolong life through secondary prevention and enhance quality of life.
According to National Institute on Drug Abuse, iIn 2013, a survey reported that an estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or older had used an illegal drug in the past month. The first time someone uses a drug, it is usually voluntary. This first use is usually to mask certain emotions that they are currently going through. Repeated use can lead to changes in the brain that challenge an addict’s self control and interfere with their ability to resist the temptation of a drug, this addiction makes them feel better about themselves and forget about the problem they are dealing with at the time. According to the Mayo Clinic, drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a dependence on a legal or illegal drug or