Opioid overdose is one of the leading causes of accidental death in America and is known to take as many as ninety lives every day. While this is the case, an alarming forty percent of all drug abuse cases involve prescription medicine.

Of course, nobody is perfect. Sometimes, what you assume about a person is the opposite of reality. The same applies to the nursing profession as well. While it’s true that nurses are good at keeping up professionalism, seemingly calm and courteous, these people, like everyone else, also face challenges that could potentially lead to drug addiction.

We will discuss the causes and symptoms of opioid addiction in nurses and ways to manage and overcome.

What could make nurses abuse drugs?

While there are several reasons, such as depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and genetics, there are also other reasons why nursing professionals may turn to drug use.

Workplace fatigue and stress:

We all know that nursing is an on-the-foot job, which puts the workers in long, rotational shifts and overtime working hours. This is mentally, physically, and emotionally demanding, without much time to decompress. According to various research studies, people who work 12-hour shifts are much more prone to burnout than those who work shorter shifts.

Also, nurses have to deal with a range of emotions on a daily basis. Guilt and anxiety can be common, and every day is different. Mix in workplace stress, and this tense combination may lead to other problems like insomnia, depression, and nervousness.

As a result of physical and emotional burnout, nurses may self-medicating with painkillers to alleviate their headaches or insomnia. They may think once a week isn’t too bad–it’s just a pill. Then their body gets used to that, and they need more. Three times a week. Then it turns into a daily habit, where the nurse can’t imagine starting their day without some help. This is addiction.

Easy access to drugs:

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are loaded with prescription painkillers. This, unfortunately, has led to substance abuse within the nursing sector. This availability of drugs can quickly satisfy cravings and temptations among nurses. A research study has shown that registered nurses with easy access to drugs at their workplace are more likely to use them. This could also increase the chance of relapse in nurses who recovered from their addiction.

What are the most common drugs being abused by nurses?

As mentioned earlier, prescription drugs are on the top of the list of common drugs being abused by nurses. Shocking statistics have revealed that about seven percent of nurses utilize prescription medicines for a non-medical purpose. Among all nurses, nurse anesthetists are found to be using these at higher rates than other specialties. As such, the most commonly abused prescription drugs include painkillers like fentanyl or hydrocodone.

However, we cannot say that addiction is limited to prescription drugs only. Other commonly abused drugs by nurses include:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Amphetamines
• Sedatives
• Tranquilizers
• Inhalants

How can you identify if a nurse is addicted to drugs?

Being a nurse, you should be able to identify if your colleague is addicted to drugs, although it might be a little difficult. A few nurses can be successful in hiding their addiction. But, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you should be alarmed:

Physical signs:

• Out of the ordinary fatigue
• Tremors
• Frequent use of mouthwash and breath mints
• Runny nose
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sudden weight gain or weight loss
• Frequent trips to the bathroom
• Uncharacteristically untidy looks

Behavioral signs:

• Anger
• Untimely laughter
• Hyperactivity
• Lack of concentration
• Insomnia
• Constant lying

How can you approach nurses about drug addiction?

Today, most nursing state boards offer non-disciplinary programs for those who deal with addiction. These programs, along with proper treatment, will be effective in the patient’s recovery. There are comprehensive support programs available via peer assistance. In addition, ANA also provides the “Impaired Nurse Resource Center” – the online repository related to drug abuse to help nurses find alternatives to discipline or peer assistance programs.

You should understand that drug abuse treatment can be extremely successful, but only when the person understands they really need help. Be a friend to them. They are a nurse, yes, but they are a person first.

Can nurses treat themselves?

For some, it’s easy to think that you can treat addiction alone. But, this could be a big mistake. Your body can revolt, resulting in extreme withdrawal symptoms that could be fatal. You could become a victim of delirium tremens, which can lead to severe complications like:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Heart problems
• Death

It’s important for any nurse addicted to drugs to understand that they truly need help. Your state’s nursing boards or nursing associations can direct you to programs and treatments to help yourself or try to begin to help others. On a national level, there are some websites like AddictedNurse.com to help.

Admitting you need help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength, and shows your willingness to overcome.