This lecture opened my eyes to the true mental illness aspect of those with substance abuse and addiction. I enjoyed learning about this lecture because knowing what signs or symptoms to look for, as well as, developing significant knowledge about effective dealing with/treating each substance use disorder is beneficial. According to Townsend (2014) individuals between the age 18-24 are of the highest substance abusers (p.279). When an individual is unable to control the use, knowing that it’s becoming an interference in their daily functioning and obligations; when attempting to cut down or control the use fails; when there are intense cravings and a great deal of time spent on obtaining the substance; when tolerance occurs; and when discontinuing the substance signs of withdrawal occur; this is when addiction is evident (Townsend, 2014, p.279). There are several psychoactive substances that can become abused or addicted to, these include alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, sedative-hypnotics, stimulants, and tobacco (Townsend, 2014, p.280). With a vast majority of the population suffering from addiction or abuse to a substance, “10 to 15 percent of nurses suffer from this disease” (Townsend, 2014, p.317). Moreover, when caring for an individual with a substance use disorder, it is essential for nurses to evaluate our own feelings about the topic to ensure we are able to give effective nonjudgmental and accepting care (Townsend, 2014, p.329). I will use the information I gained from this lecture in my professional life by identifying signs/symptoms of substance use disorder in patients, as well as coworkers, and applying appropriate individualized interventions, diagnosis, and resources. Also, being able to distinguish signs/symptoms in people in my personal life and help them in seeking appropriate
This lecture opened my eyes to the true mental illness aspect of those with substance abuse and addiction. I enjoyed learning about this lecture because knowing what signs or symptoms to look for, as well as, developing significant knowledge about effective dealing with/treating each substance use disorder is beneficial. According to Townsend (2014) individuals between the age 18-24 are of the highest substance abusers (p.279). When an individual is unable to control the use, knowing that it’s becoming an interference in their daily functioning and obligations; when attempting to cut down or control the use fails; when there are intense cravings and a great deal of time spent on obtaining the substance; when tolerance occurs; and when discontinuing the substance signs of withdrawal occur; this is when addiction is evident (Townsend, 2014, p.279). There are several psychoactive substances that can become abused or addicted to, these include alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, sedative-hypnotics, stimulants, and tobacco (Townsend, 2014, p.280). With a vast majority of the population suffering from addiction or abuse to a substance, “10 to 15 percent of nurses suffer from this disease” (Townsend, 2014, p.317). Moreover, when caring for an individual with a substance use disorder, it is essential for nurses to evaluate our own feelings about the topic to ensure we are able to give effective nonjudgmental and accepting care (Townsend, 2014, p.329). I will use the information I gained from this lecture in my professional life by identifying signs/symptoms of substance use disorder in patients, as well as coworkers, and applying appropriate individualized interventions, diagnosis, and resources. Also, being able to distinguish signs/symptoms in people in my personal life and help them in seeking appropriate