She learned that Kate was addicted to opioids and that she was diverting them from her patients. The prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among nurses is undocumented, but researchers believe that it parallels the general population. 2 Nurse leaders, accountable for maintaining a level of care on their units, need an educated eye, a proactive approach, and a constructive way to intervene. You may need to confront nurses who you suspect of substance abuse and support their recovery and possible return to work. You and your nurses must identify abusers and those at risk, and you must work together to help them.
Nurses sometimes fall into a pattern of self-neglect by placing others' needs ahead of their own.
They work long hours and extra shifts. And they have relatively easy access to controlled drugs. These factors increase nurses' substance abuse risk. But don't expect a nurse with a substance abuse problem to come to you for help. 4 Nurses who abuse alcohol or drugs appear to go against the basis of our profession, and this may influence their failure to admit their own problems.