Nurses have always had a high rate of addiction, but recent events have increased it even more. The Journal of Clinical Nursing states that about 20% of all nursing professionals are currently struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Prescription drugs are addictive, particularly opioids, such as oxycodone and fentanyl. The accessibility of these substances is a contributing factor to the addiction epidemic that healthcare workers face.
Some nurses abuse drugs as a way to stay alert during an overnight shift, or to cope with emotional upsets. These upsets may partially be from disappointing outcomes in the patients they are caring for.
While it is convenient for a nurse to self-medicate due to their access to drugs, they are also in a system that has help available should they decide to seek it.
Addiction Symptoms in the Nursing Field
Nurses can perform their jobs, even when addicted. This makes identifying a drug or alcohol problem difficult. However, certain clues are common indicators that a nurse may be developing a substance use disorder (SUD).
- Nurses who abuse medications may have unexplained absences or take frequent restroom breaks.
- Nurses who are with substance abuse disorder may fall asleep during breaks or on the job.
- An addicted nurse may volunteer to administer drugs to patients.
- Some nurses complain of issues with family members, or may confide about financial troubles.
- Nurses on drugs may exhibit constricted or small pupils or have glassy eyes.
- A nurse who is under the influence may make recurring mistakes when completing paperwork.
Some Reasons Why Nurses are at Risk of an SUD
A nurse’s career has certain characteristics that make them more vulnerable to taking medicines illicitly than other people. Nurses have unpredictable and demanding work hours, which can add to stress and anxiety.
Nurses must make spur-of-the-moment choices about their patients’ health and well-being. If a nurse believes he or she is to blame for a certain outcome or regrets a decision they made, it can have a significant impact on their emotions and mental health, leading to substance usage.
The availability of potent prescription drugs can be a tempting escape from these stressors and disappointments.
How Addiction in the Nursing Profession Can Lead to Malpractice
Addicted nurses are more likely than non-addicted workers to cause a mishap in their workplace or overlook a patient’s care. A nurse with an abuse problem may become distracted or leave important assignments or duties to self-medicate. Therefore, a nurse with an SUD places her patients’ health at risk,
Help is Available for Nurses with an SUD
While the incidence of addiction is high among nurses, those who receive treatment and take part in a recovery program have a low rate of relapse. One research study showed that just over 70% of the participants were licensed and sober after a 5-year period.
Addiction treatment programs are available that allow nurses and doctors to receive the care they need without fear or reprisal of losing their license. Again, it is important to seek treatment as early as possible to ensure the best possible outcome.
You definitely can receive renewed hope as a nursing professional when you seek recovery. It is helpful to join a program wherein the staff are familiar with treating medical professionals who have addiction problems.
These types of treatment programs are customized to address not only the addiction, but also the professional struggles inherent in the nursing profession.
In a medical-oriented addiction program, a counselor will work alongside the patient to determine the root cause of his or her dependency. The case manager and other facilitators will guides the recovering nurse through a process that leads to the restoration of health.
Final Thoughts
If you are a nursing practitioner who is struggling with substance use issues, you should seek help immediately. You are placing yourself and the people who depend on your care at risk. Do the compassionate thing and get help to regain control of your life and your career.
About the Author
Scott H. Silverman has been helping men and women recover from addiction for almost 40 years. He is the CEO of Confidential Recovery, a treatment program in San Diego that specializes in helping first responders, medical personnel, veterans, and executives.
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