Substance Abuse And Addiction

Course Description: Addiction to drugs and alcohol effects millions of people. Addiction was and sometimes still is seen as a moral failing or lack of willpower. In truth, addiction is a disease which is chronic, progressive and often leads to harmful and often devastating consequences. There are a number of factors that may increase any person's risk for addiction. Health care professionals may be at increased risk for a number of reasons including accessibility to narcotics. The American Nurses' Association estimates that one in ten nurses abuse alcohol or drugs. Doctors and nurses account for one of the highest rates of addiction in the workforce. According to USA Today, "Across the country, more than 100,000 doctors, nurses, technicians and other health professionals struggle with abuse or addiction, mostly involving narcotics such as Oxycodone and Fentanyl. " During this three hour, presentation participants will gain knowledge and increased understanding about the nature and scope of addiction. We will look at factors which  contribute to the cycle of addiction and the physical and emotional impact of addiction. Participants will gain knowledge about the types of treatment and interventions which play a critical role in supporting an individual's ability to begin and maintain recovery from addiction.