substance use and mental illness among nurses

Substance abuse and mental illness among nurses exist among some who are unable to cope with fast-paced life. Nursing requires much energy, focus, and responsibility in addition to working for many hours. Some nurses who are unable to deal with the pressure to abuse substances such as illicit and prescription drugs. Others become dependent on alcohol. Substance use is a complex disease that causes severe physical, emotional, legal and financial consequences.

Some of the nurses who are unable to cope with challenges get detrimental effects on their mental health. Those who struggle a lot can feel as if they are a failure and get metal conditions such as depression.

Reasons for substance use and mental illness among nurses

1. High-stress jobs

Many nurses work for long hours on the frontline of dealing with sick patients can take a toll on any nurse especially those who work in facilities with inadequate staff members. The pressure is higher since nurses, unlike many other professions, except that they should always be happy, compassionate and friendly. As a result, some get mental conditions or try self-medication to treat stress.

2. Emotional strain

Nurses grow some attachment towards patient they take care for extended periods. While it is usual for many to recover and get a discharge, not all of them survive. The feeling of loss and grief can cause a fondness for drugs or alcohol and depression.

3. Fatigue

Most nurses work for long shifts thus reducing the time for resting and full recovery. The hours might take a toll after a particular period causing mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. Many nurses get burnout early in their careers turning to abuse of prescription stimulants to cope with daily fatigue.

4. Easy access to substances

Nursing provides care to patients who are on medication hence get a chance to handle powerful prescription drugs and painkillers. The accessibility increases temptation to use them as a coping mechanism for stress or depression due to an issue relating to work or other happenings.

Treatment for substance use and mental illness among nurses

Treatment for substance use and mental illness is challenging hence requires much support and the right approach. Psychologists and therapists who treat nurses struggling with addiction or mental challenges can provide them with a new lifeline by doing the following:

I. Extensive evaluation and assessment of the condition

It is essential to determine the nature of addiction or mental illness before starting an addiction treatment program. A specialist should assess the needs of the nurse, diagnose mental health disorders and create a matching treatment plan.

II. Detoxification or withdrawal plan

Detoxification is critical in eliminating harmful substances from the body systems before other treatment. A detox program helps the patient to go through withdrawal from alcohol or drug without the severe symptoms that are likely to cause a relapse. The risk of relapsing is smaller if a nurse begins treatment at a detoxification facility because there is no access to harmful substances.

III. Implementing psychological and addiction treatment therapies

There are various types of therapies that can help to treat a nurse with substance abuse or mental illness. Treatment options can include intensive outpatient, partial inpatient and residential inpatient treatment. When affects nurses undergo addiction treatment program, they will usually attend addiction education classes, behavior, and group therapy sessions. Pharmacotherapy in some cases is also an option to support the recovery.

IV. Aftercare

Aftercare is extremely important after substance and mental illness treatment program. Nurses who are recovering from will need to continue going through their outpatient therapy programs and group therapy sessions. It reduces chances of relapsing and maintaining the job because some employers require the signing of a contract about termination in certain situations. For instance, it might state there will be a sack for failing a drug test, or certain medications miss during the nurse's shift.

Nurses with addiction or mental illness should get quick help because some think their care provision skills will help them to self-treat but end up escalating the problems.