Risk factors for addiction related to inconsistency in the parent's behavior, poor role modeling, lack of nurturing, and lack of coping skills

This substance is a central nervous system depressant that is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream.

An overdose occurs when a person uses too much of a drug and has a toxic reaction that results in serious, harmful symptoms, or death.

Examine my own beliefs, recognize that substance abuse is a chronic illness, remain objective and reasonably optimistic

Outpatient treatment
Freestanding substance abuse treatment facilities
Self-help programs (AA, NA, Rational Recovery)
Agency-sponsored aftercare program
Individual or family counseling
Clinic or physician's office

Cultural factors, social attitudes, peer behaviors, laws, cost, and availability of abused substances

These substances are prescribed for different reasons such as to treat anxiety, cough, antihistamine, or to aid in sleep, and are all CNS depressants.

Addiction is most common in older populations

This step of the nursing process when caring for the addict includes obtaining a pt and family history, examining the physical and emotional appearance of the patient, observe thought and intellectual processes, judgment, self-concept, and family dynamics

Use at an early age
Genetics
Brain chemistry
Psychological factors

This causes children of alcoholic parents to be at higher risk for developing alcoholism and drug dependence than children of nonalcoholic parents

Drugs that excite the CNS and have limited clinical use (except for treating ADHD) and have high potential for abuse.

Addiction is an individual, family, community, national, and global disease.

Imbalances nutrition (less than body requirements)
Risk for infection
Risk for injury
Diarrhea or constipation
Excess fluid volume
Ineffective coping
Self-care deficits

Lost relationships
Incarceration
Poor coping
Poor mental health
Poor physical health
Etc., etc.

Neurochemical influences on substance use-Stimulates the dopamine pathways in the limbic system, producing pleasant feelings or a "high" that is a reinforcing, or positive experience

These substances desensitize the user to both physiological and psychological pain and induce a sense of euphoria and well-being.

Addiction is not a chronic illness. The addict can stop anytime they want to! It's a matter of choice!

Abstain from alcohol and drug use
Accept responsibility for own behavior
Practice non-chemical coping alternatives
Establish an effective after-care plan

Genetic
Environmental factors
Poor parenting

This risk factor can be related to cultural practices or younger experimentation with substances that carry less social disapproval such as alcohol or cannabis

This diverse group of drugs include anesthetics, nitrates, and organic solvents that are abused by sniffing, snorting, bagging, or huffing.

Abuse of more than one substance is termed polysubstance abuse

Health teaching for the pt and family
Addressing family issues (codependence, shifting roles)
Coping skills

There is hope! There is no cure for addiction, but there are many people who have sought treatment and are clean and sober, and take it one day at a time.