From Dependence to Detox: Navigating Addiction in Nursing Practice

In this episode, we break down addiction and substance use disorders, exploring how substances like alcohol, marijuana, stimulants, opioids, and hallucinogens affect the body and mind. We cover their actions, withdrawal symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and prevalence, while also addressing gambling disorder as a non-substance-related condition. You’ll learn about key treatment approaches, including medications and relapse prevention strategies, with a focus on alcohol and opioid addiction. Finally, we discuss the impact of chemical dependency in nursing, highlighting warning signs, professional responsibilities, and reporting guidelines.