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Substance Abuse/ Drug Abuse

‘Substance Abuse is a major worldwide problem. Statistics show alarming details of the relationship between alcohol, smoking, tranquilizers, illicit drugs use and other addictions, and death, disease and long-term societal problems.

‘Substance Abuse’ or ‘Drug Abuse’: According to international Council of Nurses, the word ‘Drug’ is used in a broader context to include an immense amount of substances both legal and illegal. The terms, ‘Addiction and Dependency’ are used interchangeably.

Addition or Dependency in an individual creates a very intense need that may have either Psychological or Physical component or both.

Common drugs of abuse are: alcohol, LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) commonly known as acid, hallucinagens, cannabis, marijuana and hashish, tobacco, opiates, hypnotics, sedatives and anxiolytics, stimulant drugs- cocaine. One of the major problems associated with drug usage is of HIV infection.

Use of drugs has consistent themes and theories i.e., pleasure, curiosity, experimentation, search for self knowledge, self adventure, spiritual meaning, loss of faith, relief of stress, immediate satisfaction, depression, powerlessness. All these theories can be included under (i) Biological (ii) Psychological and (iii) Sociological explanations.

The Trained Nurses’ Association of India believes that Nurses have significant role in: prevention of substance abuse and promotion of health and care of people who are addicted or dependent; the Nurses can play an important role in providing counselling to individuals, their families and friends; providing information on substance abuse to community groups, schools, families, individuals as well as to Nurses and other professional and non-professional groups; and in teaching Nurses and others.

The TNAI also believes that Nursing goals for control of Drug Abuse are: to raise the public consciousness about factors that lead to drug addiction and create awareness about healthier life style; and to give information about the treatment strategies to clients and families. And to assist clients and families in behaviour modification and adopt methods in maintaining a healthier life style.

The Trained Nurses ‘Association of India further believes that a Nurse who is the primary health care provider can be instrumental in mobilising the community to combat Substance Abuse by adopting the following strategies :

Moving the community towards healthier life style through Health Education campaigns, raising awareness and disseminating information regarding substance abuse.
Encouraging and providing support and guidance for the formation and functioning of self-help groups in the community.
Coordinating and working with various governmental, non-governmental voluntary agencies within the health sector and social service, i.e. teachers, parents, youth clubs and media, towards, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services for substance abusers.
The TNAI urges all its Branches to carry out the under-mentioned activities with regard to Substance Abuse:
Support, educate, prevent and care the drug addicted clients and their families in terms of promoting the healthy life style.
Support and participate in the development of a wide range of services related to Substance Abuse at local and national levels.
Play a key role as a skilled professional and responsible practitioner in mobilising the community against Substance Abuse.
Plan at national level the development of training courses for al levels of Nurses.
All curricula should be planned keeping in mind cultural and social factors.
Prepare Nurses about Substance Abuse starting at the basic training level, and updating those working in the field. Specialist Nurses who have gone through substantial training and experiences should act as consultants to researchers, Nurses and other health professionals.
Promote awareness sessions on Substance Abuse in schools, colleges and workplaces. Support and help those who are addicted.
Awareness sessions for parents ‘what to look for in children’ for early detection.
Participate in research towards developing a wide range of interventions.