Chemical Dependency And Substance Abuse - 1303 Words

Many people have turned to substance abuse or experience chemical dependency for a variety of reasons. Nurses experience chemical dependency as well. According to Kunyk (2013), â€Å"healthcare professionals, including nurses, are also potentially vulnerable to substance use disorders regardless of any special knowledge, skills or insights they might have owing to their education and professional experiences† (p. 54). This paper will define what chemical dependency is, report causes of chemical dependency in nurses, describe behaviors associated with chemical dependency, and explain what needs to be done upon reentry into the work place. First of all, chemical dependency or substance abuse is a more specific term for addiction. Addiction is defined as â€Å"a compulsive and maladaptive dependency on a substance (alcohol, cocaine, opioids) or a behavior (gambling, viewing pornography)† (Kaiser, 2011, p.113), while chemical dependency specifically pertains to the dependency of a substance. Kaiser (2011) states that there are consequences to chemical dependency, whether it be â€Å"psychological, physical, economic, social, or legal† (p. 113). When one overuses substances such as alcohol, opioids, or amphetamines, there is a chance that the body will get used to the chemical effects of the drugs. This can lead to tolerance and eventually withdrawal. Tolerance â€Å"represents a cellular adaptation in a pharmacologically active substance so that increasingly larger doses are required to produceShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse and Chemical Dependency1703 Words   |  7 Pageswebsite, Substance abuse is use d to describe a pattern of substance (drug) use leading to significant problems or distress such as failure to attend work/school, substance use in dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships and or family relationships. Substance abuse, as a disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances or the abusive use of legal substances. Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse. 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