title: Peer assistance for nurses with substance-use disorders.
abstract: Addictions can be prevalent in the health professions, as these individuals are intelligent and know how drugs function. Health professionals generally also have easy access to medications and controlled substances. Many systems have been implemented in attempts to prevent nurses and other providers from abusing drugs; for example, computerized automated delivery systems of medication. Nevertheless, substance-use disorders are still prevalent in the health professions, and one cannot exclude these professionals from any discussion on substance use. This article discusses the implementation of peer-assistance programs that help nurses who abuse substances to receive treatment and maintain their licensure.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing & Health Professions, Drexel University, 1505 Race Street, Room #429, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. aar27@drexel.edu
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rundio
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003219:Confidentiality; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D011363:Professional Impairment / Q000523:psychology*; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017132:Workplace
keywords: Addiction; Nurse; Peer assistance; Substance use