|
Nursing Implications Substance abuse has been prevalent for centuries, although it was not until 1956 that the American Medical Society classified Alcoholism as a disease. With the disease concept, came the understanding that a person who is addicted to a substance has an illness, not a weakness of character. [Source: Just like other people, health care professionals can easily become addicted to various substances, with prevalence no different than the rest of the population. Substance abuse amongst the health care professionals is ussually a form of response to physical illness, pain, emotional difficulties and most often work pressures.(Black, Hokanson-Hawk & Keene,2001). Substance abuse is also considered "someone else's disease," and there is little interest in fixing someone else's problem. This is even despite the fact that the behavior of a co-worker with a substance problem may lead to injury or even death for the straightest arrow on the assembly line.(Merrill,2001). The lack of faith in treatment effectiveness makes employers somewhat unreceptive to the costs of not treating the disease.(Merrill,2001). Even if employers are convinced that substance abuse can lead to other significant costs and lost productivity, the myth of ineffectiveness leads them to conclude that nothing can be done but to dismiss workers who do not respond quickly to treatment.(Merrill,2001). Recognizing the Addiction Recognizing the potential warning signs and symptoms of substance use, you may be able to get help for your co-worker. Certain behavior changes, when extreme or if lasting for more than a few days, may indicate alcohol-related or drug-related problems and the need for further screening by a professional.[Source: The following signs should be considered: *Sudden changes in personality without another known cause *Loss of interest in once favorite hobbies, sports, or other activities *Sudden decline in performance or attendance at school or work *Changes in friends and reluctance to talk about new friends *Deterioration of personal grooming habits *Difficulty in paying attention, forgetfulness *Sudden aggressive behavior, irritability, nervousness, or giddiness *Increased secretiveness, heightened sensitivity to inquiry [Source: |
For more information Regarding workplace policies visit these sites: |
