Addicted Nurses Who Seek Treatment Can Save Lives… Theirs AND Their Patients!

Addicted Nurses Who Seek Treatment Can Save Lives… Theirs AND Their Patients!

Addiction, Health Professionals, Substance Use Disorders, Treatment for ProfessionalsBy BoardPrep Recovery Center®

It should go without saying that nurses who have an untreated substance use disorder (addiction to alcohol or drugs) are not only endangering themselves, but their patients, as well. One of the key words in this statement is “untreated.” Why? Because untreated implies addiction is treatable. Indeed, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse,…

Nurses with a Substance Use Disorder Face Unique Challenges

Nurses with a Substance Use Disorder Face Unique Challenges

Health Professionals, Recovery for Professionals, Substance Use Disorders, Treatment for ProfessionalsBy BoardPrep Recovery Center®

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the percentage of nurses in the U.S. who have a substance use disorder (i.e., dependence on alcohol and/or drugs) is about 10%, similar to the percentage of the general population.[1] Given the large number of nurses working in the field—approximately 4 million[2]—this rate of addiction…