Substance abuse disorders in nurses.
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.
Griffith
J
J
Coronary Care Unit, UVA HSC, Charlottesville, VA, USA. mjv2v@HSCmail.mcc.virginia.edu
D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D011363:Professional Impairment / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology