The Problem Of Drug And Alcohol Addiction - 1084 Words

These signs could contribute to the broad picture. Other signs or symptoms may include slurred speech, coordination problems, impaired cognition function, short and frequent disappearances from the work place, often tardiness or poorly explained absences and wanting to be alone when opening a narcotic cabinet, as well as lack of witnesses to verify unused narcotic wasting protocols (Nurses and drug Addiction). It is a great idea to have a policy set in place to provide employees with support and treatment that may have been identified in this growing problem. Drug and Alcohol addiction is a disease and is covered by the American Disability Act of 1990. (AJN). Assistance programs, education as well as further research in this area are†¦show more content†¦But that is where the problem seems to take off. Nurses have easy access to the paraphernalia. After all most nurses that are addicted think these medications are FDA approved, so no need to worry like as if someone from th e street corner may be getting overdosed on a dirty batch of heroin. Then once a nurse starts to experience and learn the dark but yet beautiful side of opiates. They may think of them as dangerous but misunderstood at the same time. There are a combination of contributing factors that tend to lead nurses down the dark mysterious road of addiction. Nursing is not an easy career to get into. Late nights studying for the test that could make you do a semester of school all over again, crying all day because the stress of two lousy points could keep you from walking across the stage of success. Let us not forget all of our former class mates that just drop out because it was too tough to continue. Yes this is my dream job to me as it has turned my family’s life around. But for others is has become a nightmare and a sort of mental prison. The American Journal of Nursing has identified the top three triggers that could set someone over the edge. Critical Care Nurses/workers. These nurses tend be under extreme pressure both mentally and physically. Always faced with life and death more frequent in a daily routine. Working night