The nursing profession involves high stress, long hours and life-or-death decisions. Many nurses report feeling dissatisfied and underappreciated at work, which may compromise their ability to do their jobs well. Easy access to potent prescription drugs can be a dangerous temptation for nurses, putting them at higher risk of substance abuse and potentially compromising the safety and well-being of the patients in their care.
The Prevalence of Nurse Substance Abuse
Like many other professionals, nurses are susceptible to stress and burnout, which can pave the way to substance abuse. Their roles are demanding, often requiring them to work extended shifts and handle critical, high-pressure situations.
Some nurses who develop substance use disorder start experimenting with alcohol and drugs when they are still in nursing school. The heavy workload and long hours add to the burdens of being a nurse. Struggling to cope with the emotional distress and physical exhaustion, many nurses use drugs as a misguided form of self-medication.
The Impact of Nurses Under the Influence
A phenomenon known as “compassion fatigue” occurs when a nurse becomes intensely involved in their patients’ pain and begins ignoring their self-care. Due to this problem, some nurses develop maladaptive coping behaviors, including alcohol and drug use.
Substance abuse poses unique and significant challenges to the nursing profession. Nurses who use drugs on the job are less likely to provide safe, competent care, thereby endangering the people who depend on them. A nurse struggling with a drug problem can unintentionally cause harm or even risk the lives of their patients.
One particular challenge is drug diversion – when nurses take medications intended for their patients. This illegal practice harms nurses’ health, while depriving sick people of the lifesaving drugs they need to get well.
High-Functioning Addiction: Unmasking the Myth
When you imagine someone struggling with substance abuse, you may picture a person whose life is in obvious disarray. However, this stereotype is misleading. Many people grappling with addiction manage to maintain a facade of normalcy, holding down high-pressure jobs like nursing and fulfilling their professional responsibilities – a phenomenon often referred to as “high-functioning” addiction. Unfortunately, this concept is a dangerous fallacy.
Even if a nurse seems to have everything under control on the surface, they are still dealing with a serious, life-threatening issue behind closed doors. Nurses are highly susceptible to the physical, psychological and social harm caused by substance abuse. The apparent normalcy can delay recognition of the problem and prevent nurses from seeking the help they need.
Recognizing and Addressing Nurse Substance Abuse
Early recognition and intervention are crucial to safeguard patients from harm and help nurses get on the road to recovery. It’s essential to foster a workplace culture where nurses feel safe to seek help for their struggles without fear of stigmatization or punishment.
Addiction treatment options should consider the unique challenges health professionals face. At Pillars Recovery, we’re an addiction treatment center with two locations: Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. We provide individualized substance abuse treatment for young professionals who need a fresh start.
Don’t let your struggle with addiction end your nursing career. With accredited treatment, you can regain your health and return to the profession you love, fully equipped to provide the high level of care your patients deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our advanced clinical options.
