Unit 7: Substance Abuse in the Workplace

What is contemplation in relation to substance abuse?

At the contemplation stage, addicts and alcoholics are becoming more aware of their problem and starting to understand the consequences it's having on their lives They are beginning to contemplate the idea of recovery, although they are not making any move towards it This is the beginning of change

What is ENABLEd a co-worker?

Excused or ignored behaviors in a peer that may be suggestive of impairments and justified those behaviors as "just having a bad day" or "stress"? Never told the supervisor about behaviors possibly indicative of impairment that I observed because I was afraid of being wrong and did not want anyone to get angry at me Accepted responsibility for my colleagues' unfinished work and at time attempted to counsel and solve his or her problem Believed that nurses would not/do not use drugs or alcohol to the point of practice impairment and that substance use can be stopped at any time unless the person is morally weak Liked to use drugs or alcohol myself to relax or enjoy with friends? I do not want anyone to look at me. In fact, I have used a few discontinued drugs from work myself. Doesn't everyone? Exonerated a peer's irresponsible actions by covering for attendance or tardiness? Have I cosigned wastes I have not truly witnessed or corrected the narcotic count to account for a discrepancy

What is action in relation to substance abuse?

Here is where recovery becomes full-fledged. Action is taken. The addict quits using. The alcoholic goes into a 28-day program They start going to meetings. They avoid the old way home from work that passes the dive bar they've sat at for the last 15 years. They do something to change their lives

What is our duty as nurses when we suspect substance abuse in the workplace?

It is our ethical duty to report suspicions

What are health professional program for nurse substance abuse?

May refer eligible nurse to the HPSP in lieu of or in addition to public discipline May self-refer Licensee must be evaluated by an independent, third-party evaluator approved by the Board. The evaluation must include a diagnosis of a substance use disorder, mental health disorder, or both types of disorders with the appropriate diagnostic code from the DSM, and treatment options Licensee must provide a written statement agreeing to enter the HPSP in lieu of or in addition to discipline and agreeing to abide by all terms and conditions established by the Board. Licensees who have successfully graduated from either the NMP or HPSP programs and who have had a relapse may be permitted a maximum of one additional admittance into the HPSP

Do the stages of change and recovery follow a linear path?

No. Usually an individual will jump back and forth through the stages over the year

What are the stages of change and recovery from substance abuse?

Precontemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance

What is preparation in relation to substance abuse?

Preparation occurs when people move from just thinking about change and sobriety to preparing to make those changes For the addict or alcoholic, this may include learning more about addiction and the effects it has on one's life It could consist of calling the insurance company to find out what kind of drug treatment it covers. It could be sitting down with family and friends and letting them know that you know you have a problem While the person is still using at this time, he understands that he's addicted and is in the beginning stages of seeking help

What are direct and caring communication styles for dealing with substance abuse in the workplace?

Stage an intervention Remove stigma Offer increased treatment options Increase early detection program Workplace drug testing Health promotion programs for stress reduction and recovery follow up Education

Why is substance abuse a problem in healthcare?

Taking drugs meant for patients High rate of addiction among physicians and pharmacists Access to medications

What is pre-contemplation in relation to substance abuse?

The first stage of change, precontemplation is when the addict or alcoholic is not receptive—at all—to recovery They tell themselves that they are not addicted, that drugs are not negatively impacting their lives, and they're not ready to make any necessary changes or to move towards recovery.

What is maintenance in relation to substance abuse?

The maintenance stage is long lasting and consists of those actions that keep the person sober and in recovery This can include outpatient therapy, talking to family and friends about warning signs and relapse triggers, or becoming a sponsor in AA