The Problem Of Developing Substance Use Disorders

According to the Diagnostic Statistic Manual 5 (DSM-5) substance use disorder is when the individual has a dependency on alcohol or drug, followed by penetrating craving and antisocial behavior to acquire the substance. The terms substance abuse and substance dependence refer to substance use disorder, which has been separated into three classifications as follows

When referring to quality of life for an individual with substance abuse, also referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), through practice and research, the nurse is able to identify, test, and apply interventions that promote quality of life (QOL). According to Lubkin and Larsen (2013), “Application of research findings to an individual’s quality of life enables nurses in clinical practice to plan and deliver evidence-based care” (p. 183). With the use of evidence base practice, the nursing interventions can be individualized to the preferences and values of the client, which will ensure better adherence to along term commitment plan. Quality of life assessments can be used to evaluate the impact of substance abuse on the client and their

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and criminal activity are often interconnected and intrinsically linked. It is a relevant and pressing issue associated with continued use, as well as inflated recidivism rates for this population. It has been found that over half of all inmates at county, state, and federal sentencing levels meet criteria for substance use disorders, as well as having served at least 3 total correctional sentences during their lifetime (Mumola & Karberg, as cited in Pettus-Davis, Howard, Roberts-Lewis, & Scheyett, 2011). Along with experiencing incarceration and forms of institutionalization, this population also requires rehabilitation

He is the best nurse on the floor. Everyone admires him – patients, fellow nurses, doctors, administration. He works extra shifts in the emergency department, sometimes as often as six shifts per week despite chronic back pain. What about the seasoned staff nurse? You notice a change in her. She is moody, appears dazed, and is making mistakes frequently. She is late and unkempt, and is not as social as she once was. While one may be quick to assume substance use from the second nurse, in reality, the first nurse is just as likely to be working while impaired. Substance use disorders can – and do – have a very serious impact on the nursing community. Determining, labeling, and reporting a substance use problem is not always easy. This is why, when entering the nursing workforce, it is important to have a working knowledge and understanding of substance use. This includes familiarity with risk factors and signs of substance use, as well as knowing how to seek help for oneself or a colleague. With an awareness of the implications of substance use on nursing, new nurses may be better equipped to take action against this ever-present occupational hazard (NCSBN, 2011).

Ms. A is a 24-year-old, Caucasian female. She was referred for a psychological evaluation by her therapist for her excessive use of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disorder. Additionally, Ms. A stated she has been experiencing a loss of interest, low self-esteem and feeling anxious. She complains that her struggle with substance abuse has negatively impacted her interpersonal relationships, behavioral, emotional as well as her health. The purpose of the current evaluation is to (1) evaluate her level of functioning, (2) determine diagnostic impression and (3) recommend relevant treatment and service needs.

When DHR originally got involved with the twins, the caseworker at the time was hoping that a family member would step in to become guardian and take the responsibility for helping them with daily tasks. It was extremely imperative that DHR found someone who would not manipulate or take advantage of the twins. One niece did come forward and showed sincerity in wanting the twins to move into her home. She claimed that when she was younger, they would baby sit her and she wanted to return the favor. After a few months, the twins moved into her home after the casework deemed it was a suitable place for them to live. Things appeared to be going well until the niece lost her job and the twins’ care began to get overwhelming for her. After a year, the niece went to DHR and terminated her guardianship over the twins. DHR was able to find a suitable one bedroom apartment for the twins that was affordable and they have been living there since. At DHR there was a homemaker, who would grocery shop and get prescriptions for clients.

“Substance Use Disorders” are new to the DSM-5. Previously, the terms “abuse” and “dependence” where used instead. In general, the DSM-5 considers a Substance Use Disorder to be recurrent drug use that causes impairment and continued use, despite substance use related problems. The DSM-5 also focuses on how substance use causes a change in brain functioning. The change is primarily responsible for intense drug cravings, as well as repeated relapses. Finally, the DSM-5 divides use into four groups, including impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

It was extremely imperative that DHR found someone who would not manipulate or take advantage of the twins. One niece did come forward and showed sincerity in wanting the twins to move into her home. She claimed that when she was younger, they would baby sit her and she wanted to return the favor. After a few months, the twins moved into her home after the casework deemed it was a suitable place for them to live. Things appeared to be going well until the niece lost her job and the twins’ care began to get overwhelming for her. After a year, the niece went to DHR and terminated her guardianship over the twins. DHR was able to find a suitable one bedroom apartment for the twins that was affordable and they have been living there since. At DHR there was a homemaker, who would grocery shop and get prescriptions for clients. Unfortunately, after they retired, the state closed the position and now caseworkers either have to find affordable homemakers or do the tasks themselves. Since the twins have little help from family, DHR monitors their checks from the conservator and buys groceries. The current caseworker usually visits the twins twice a week and with each visit, gets a handwritten letter and a grocery list for items they need.

Substance use may be viewed as recreational to some, however to others, it is the beginning of the road to an addiction. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-V (2013), a diagnosis of substance use disorder is based on evidence of impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria. Substance use disorders occur when recurring drug use, including alcohol, causes clinically and functionally significant damage, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home. These criteria are nearly identical to that of addiction, which is a reason they are used interchangeably. In the last decade, substance use, particularly illicit drug use, has been increasing ("DrugFacts: Nationwide trends | National Institute on Drug Abuse", 2014). Is this due to the high stress society in which we live, or an individual’s predisposition to addiction? In all likelihood it is a combination of both, as well as emotion regulation, a process which allows for the evaluation, monitoring, and modifying of emotional reactions to accomplish goals. This paper will address the possible role of emotion regulation on substance use disorders and the research behind it.

The substance use issue in America is a commonly heard and discussed topic throughout the nation. Even the smallest and most vulnerable members of our society are also being affected by the drug epidemic. Addicted women who are becoming pregnant are leaving their children with a lasting reminder of how drugs can affect everyone involved in a user’s life. These infants are exposed in utero to substances and once born, the children can have immediate and sometimes long-lasting effects of their mother’s actions. Often women who become pregnant are worried that if they reach out for help, their children will be taken from them after birth. There needs to be a better way to address this issue and work towards a solution for expecting mothers who

I am sure that nearly every couple, whether they be newlyweds or not, at some point discusses and dreams of having a little bundle of joy to bring into the world and expand their little family. They long for the gift of a baby and the responsibilities of parenthood that accompany it. Most couples or single parents will do anything and everything to protect their child/children and give them the world. However, not everyone does so. A growing problem, not only in my area, but across the United States is infants being born addicted to some type of drug whether it simple be cigarettes, or something harsher such as an addiction to prescription pills.

While there are several many elements that make up the causes of substance disorders, I personally lean towards the cognitive-behavioral view to explain substance disorders. Behaviorist state that through operant-conditioning individuals become addicted to substances because of the “reward” that is delivered by a drug (Comer, 2016). I know from my own life that when I smoked cigarettes, I would feel an almost immediate sense of relaxation. This sensation caused me to feel more compelled to smoke a cigarette whenever I felt stressed. Even though I stopped smoking a long time ago, even now, when I feel stressed I feel compelled to light up a cigarette. While I personally have only experienced the instants “reward” of nicotine from cigarettes,

Principles of prevention, treatment and recovery should be a community effort. Being familiar with the risk associated with substance use and co occurring diseases is significant. Neuroscientists have collected date through evidence-based research that has provided an understanding of long term and short-term strategies for prevention. The health and behavior problems that are associated with substance use affect families on multiple levels. Providing families and communities with the resources in the form of treatment and continued care will reduce the risk of reoccurring relapse and remission. The philosophy

According to the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, young people have various reasons for using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Children might feel the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs will make them feel more cool, grown-up or to fit in the community. More skills to help deal with these issues should include: encouraging children to talk about what alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are and what health complications one might encounter in future, helping children understand that ads selling alcohol, tobacco and other products most of the time portray wrong image. Parents should be more careful not to involve children in any use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by being good role

Drug addiction is one of society 's biggest problems and it is rampant among teenagers and young adults and one of the most abused drugs is marijuana. Cannabis sativa or marijuana usually grows throughout tropical and temperate climates and then plant 's stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds are then dried. What attracts to most users is the mind altering effect these parts produce which is addictive to some extent. It is usually smoked as cigarette, or in a pipe. It is also smoked in blunts, in which cigars will be emptied of tobacco and refill with marijuana or sometimes it is combined with another drug. It can also be brewed as tea or mixed in food. Hashis is a more concentrated, resinous form which is sticky black liquid, hash oil. The