Nur 104: Introduction To Pharmacology

There is no doubt that there is a prevalence of substance abuse throughout several age groups. To a certain extent, a society is faced with the reality of controlling substance abuse. Or allow it run rampant throughout the community. Often times, we hear and read about the level of substance abuse among teen, young adults and mid-aged

“Substance use disorders” or “substance-related disorders” are intended synonymously and are used interchangeably when referring to the broad category of addiction to psychoactive substances. Additionally, the word “drug” should be considered in the context in which it appears and can refer to alcohol specifically and/or other psychoactive substances such as cocaine or heroin etc. Again, this is because of the large overlap within the broader category of substance use and the high prevalence of polysubstance use. For the sake of clarity, “drug” as used in North America to generally refer to any illicit or controlled substance has been avoided. Instead, “medication” will be used to denote a prescribed substance used to treat physical symptoms. However, many legally prescribed medications (such as morphine) can and are abused and have addictive quality, making them just as devastating as “street drugs” or alcohol (Compton & Volkow, 2006).

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,

* Origin of Drug: Dutch word droog meaning dry for dried herbs and plants that were the 1st medicine.

Substance abuse continues to be a serious health care concern with millions of American 18 and older using illegal drugs. Substance abuse occurs across all generations, cultures, and occupations, including nursing. “About 1 in 10, or 10-15% of all nurses, may be impaired or in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction” (Thomas & Siela, 2011). When a nurse is impaired they will not be able to function at their normal capacity, and are not able to provide quality patient care. They may not be able to think as quickly, and have a delayed reaction time.

Many people have turned to substance abuse or experience chemical dependency for a variety of reasons. Nurses experience chemical dependency as well. According to Kunyk (2013), “healthcare professionals, including nurses, are also potentially vulnerable to substance use disorders regardless of any special knowledge, skills or insights they might have owing to their education and professional experiences” (p. 54). This paper will define what chemical dependency is, report causes of chemical dependency in nurses, describe behaviors associated with chemical dependency, and explain what needs to be done upon reentry into the work place.

This project will focus on using Methadone as a pharmacological treatment strategy as well as the normal non-pharmacological treatment strategies to

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

The assessment serves many purposes. By giving simple, yet specific questionnaires, the professional can determine whether additional screening or diagnosing is necessary. "Relevant assessment information includes consumption patterns, substance-related problems, expectancies and motives for use and situational context for use" (Carey & Correia, 1998, p. 736). Three of the best tools or methods include collateral information, biochemical methods, and self-report

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.

Detox programs are a gateway into the formal rehabilitation treatment process, which means the patients’ needs other forms of rehabilitation to help the client not to relapse (Doweiko, 2015). When a client is finished with their detox or rehabilitation program, they are plagued with withdrawals or cravings for their particular drug. A drug craving is an intense, subjective, emotional, and physical experience for the individual that varies in intensity between individuals (Doweiko, 2015). This cravings can be easily triggered by various things such as a specific smell, a hard day at work, or even an internal stimulus. Once released from the program, Rosa Lee will have to remember to not fall into the temptation of her cravings for illicit

This class has helped me to understand there is more than saying no to alcohol, prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs. By learning specific drugs and their effects on the body, I see how these drugs can turn addiction into a “disease” that will affect people the rest of their life. My son and a girl I coached, had many physical and psychological factors that I now am able to see after taking this class. By reflecting on their personal experience with alcohol and drugs, I am aware of some signs of addiction.

Terminal Objective: Given a PowerPoint lecture, a field-level paramedic should be able to discuss different types of advance pharmacology without error.

Carson-Dewitt, Rosalyn MD. Encyclopedia of Drugs and Alcohol & Addictive Behavior. Second Edition, Vol. II, E-Q, Macmillan Reference Center, 2001, pages 702-712.

This paper will discuss Chemical Dependency or Substance Dependency and Substance Abuse in Adolescents; specifically the development, progression and biopsychosocial of dependency and abuse in the adolescent population. The definition of epidemiology and diagnosis will be addressed. Lastly three treatment options including the range of severity will be provided.