Where to Find Help for Drug Addicted Nurses

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The issue of nurses abusing and becoming addicted to drugs is a very pressing one. When nurses experience a serious addiction syndrome, they are not only incapable of caring for their patients safely and effectively, but they also cannot take care of themselves. Fortunately, there are a number of different resources for nurses addicted to drugs and ways in which they can receive the treatment they need.

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Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN)

Treatment for nurses often consists of counseling and therapy among other treatments.

A program called SPAN is one of the best in terms of helping individuals in this profession through a difficult time. The program pairs struggling nurses with one of their peers who is able help them get back on track.

According to the Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses program, “NYSNA’s (New York State Nurses Association Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN) is a confidential education, support, and advocacy program for ALL nurses licensed in New York State, anywhere on the continuum from substance use to substance dependence.”

This program allows nurses to work through their issues of substance abuse safely and with the help of another nurse who can often understand much more of what the individual is going through. Each state has its own type of SPAN program, so it is important to check with your State Nurses Association to determine how to get in contact with yours.

Support Groups

A medical professional who has been abusing drugs may also find support groups that specifically address the needs of medical professionals with addictions to be helpful. Talking to others who struggle with the same issues provides you with support and the opportunity to learn new coping strategies.

In the same way that support groups are often helpful for other addicted individuals, nurses can discuss their situation with other health care workers and be able to talk about how their drug abuse compromised their vocation, their financial situation, and their entire life. Opening up in this way in a confidential environment makes it far easier for addicts to face their addiction recovery.

Individualized Drug Counseling

Speaking to a counselor is also beneficial to nurses who have been abusing medications or other mind-altering substances. Individualized drug counseling provides tailored treatment and allows them to delve into other possible issues for which they may be using these drugs to cope.

For example, many nurses become depressed after working with terminally ill patients, while others may experience extreme frustration or exhaustion from having such a difficult job. Individualized counseling can help many in this position get to the root of their problem and also help address other emotional issues or even mental disorders that may co-occur along with their addiction.

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Getting Clean and Staying Employed

Nurses deserve to have the option of receiving treatment and recovering from drug abuse. When nurses follow the rules set by their State Nurses Association, they should be able to keep their nursing license and continue to practice after completing treatment.

Nurses benefit from inpatient or outpatient treatment options depending on the substance used, the length of addiction, and the nurse’s underlying health conditions. This also helps you recover your professional career.

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