Alcohol and drug abuse is the third leading health problem in the United States. The incidence of drug and alcohol abuse among nurses is estimated to be higher than the general population because of the inherent stress involved in the occupation and the increased access to drugs. However, there are no reliable data to date about the prevalence of chemical dependency among nurses.
Chemical dependency is a chronic, progressive, and potentially life threatening disease.
Nurses who are impaired due to chemical dependency should be cared for and supported in ways that are similar to nurses who have other chronic, progressive diseases. Namely, all efforts should be made to provide these nurses with the health care resources that are required to stop the progression of this disease and promote successful rehabilitation and return to work. Concerted efforts should be made by all nurses in Kentucky to identify impaired colleagues, and facilitate their rehabilitation. Of primary concern is patient safety and protection. Also of concern is the preservation of Kentucky's nurse resources.