The Role of a Nurse in a Drug Rehabilitation

by Ellie Williams

Nurses play a vital role in helping patients undergoing drug rehabilitation. They monitor their progress, help them adjust to life without drugs and teach them how to maintain their sobriety after leaving rehab. Substance abuse nurses need either an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing and must be licensed as registered nurses.

Where They Work

Substance abuse nurses care for patients on both an inpatient and outpatient basis, working at drug treatment centers, psychiatric facilities, methadone clinics and hospitals. Many also work at primary care physicians' offices. Though many work at facilities in metropolitan and urban areas, they're also in demand in rural areas, some of which offer limited options for drug treatment and rehabilitation. They work with patients of all ages, from teenagers undergoing rehab at residential treatment centers for juveniles to adults seeking outpatient services through their primary care physicians.

Physical Care

Patients going through drug rehab can suffer devastating physical symptoms such as withdrawal, which is caused by the body's response to going without a substance it's depended on for so long. During withdrawal, patients might suffer from everything from nausea and vomiting to sleeplessness. In addition, patients addicted to painkillers might see a recurrence of their pain when they cease taking the drug. Substance abuse nurses must be prepared for these physical effects, and must administer treatments to ease the symptoms so patients can concentrate on breaking their addictions. The physical effects are sometimes so severe that patients return to drugs to ease the discomfort, something nurses can help prevent by helping them manage their symptoms.

Mental Health Counseling

Because addiction is both a physical and psychological health issue, substance abuse nurses need training and experience in general medical care and mental health. They must understand the psychological issues that contribute to addiction so they can help patients work through these problems and reduce the risk of relapse. They must also know what psychological issues arise when patients attempt to conquer their addictions so they can help patients create strategies for coping with the impact of starting a new life. For example, patients sometimes suffer from anxiety, depression, mood swings and even thoughts of suicide when going through withdrawal from the drug.

Patient Education

Substance abuse nurses often play a teaching role in addition to providing physical care. They teach patients about the dangers of drug abuse, including the physical and psychological effects; the damage to relationships and family life; and the impact on meeting basic needs such as holding down a job. They also educate patients regarding treatment options, including those they can use on either an inpatient or outpatient basis, and those they can use to stay drug-free long-term. Nurses might also educate a patient's family members about what to expect from the rehab process and how they can support their loved one's attempt to conquer drug addiction.

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