Question

Describe the nurse’s role in caring for patients’ who are addicted to illicit drugs?

Answer 1

Illicit drug use refers to regular or long-term illicit drug consumption of either prescription or non-prescription drugs such as opiates and narcotics. Patients with a history of illicit drug users need complex care and moreover, they are exposed to violence, crime and sex trade.

NURSES ROLE IN PATIENT'S ADDICTED TO ILLICIT DRUGS: Nursing is the most trusted profession, and therapeutic relationship is a hallmark of professional nursing care.

a) the nurse should treat the patient with a positive attitude because negative attitude reverse the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship with the treatment plan. b) The nurses should know what psychological issues arise when patients attempt to conquer their addictions so that the nurse can help patients to create strategies for coping with the impact of starting a new life. c) Nurses should often play a teaching role in addition to provide physical care. For example, teaching includes the harmful effects of drugs abuse, phsycal and psychological effcets, and damage to relationships and family. d) Nurse should motivate the patient to engage in certain activities to avoid the usage of drugs e) the nurse should teach the patient family members about what to expect from the rehabilitation process and explain how they can support their loved one's attempts to conquer drug addiction.