Substance Abuse/Detox Nursing Forum ???

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Hi everyone, I have an idea for a new forum (and yes I am a little bias on this). Brian how about a forum for the nurses who are dealing with alcohol and drug using/abusing, withdrawing and recovering patients. Drug and alcohol abuse is a national health concern, this type of nursing is one of the fastest growing specalities and just until recently was not taught in nursing school. These nurses have the problems of a medical patient but then add chemical problems and a dash of emotional/mental issues and you have a pretty tough client (I didn't even mention the abuse and manipulation that happens). Any nurses who have to deal with these kind of patients please tell me what you think. Thanks:)

Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

Luv ya Duckie! ((((hugs)))) :kiss

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Originally posted by OBNURSEHEATHER

Yes Nancy. I haven't heard of this official research, but I can tell you that my own unofficial research proves this to be true. Just about 30 minutes 3-4 times a week greatly increases my mood and energy level. And it's free...

Heather

You have something there......it seems that the depression rates increase as activity levels of the avg American decrease. When I was a kid in the 60's and 70's there wasn't cable tv, video games in the home...we were ALWAYS outside running around. I don't remeber any "depressed" kids in my classes not like today where it seems every other kid is on medications for mood disturbance. Kids today are much more likely to be obese today due to this inactivity....wonder if depression is linked too? Wonder if a study's been done?

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Originally posted by dianah

BTW, Duckie I'm so glad you're feeling better!!! -- D

Thanks so much and a hearty hug to you!!!!!!!!

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Originally posted by cheerfuldoer

Luv ya Duckie! ((((hugs)))) :kiss

Duckie says, "Right back at ya babe!!!!" Ya know I just have this one little problem........How do you put Corvette energy into a Volkswagon body and keep it all together! haha My heart wants to do cartwheels and backflips but the time spent in the hospital for recovery sure would put a damper on my sex life!:D Oh I feel like such a little brat today!:imbar

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Specializes in med/surg, new FNP.

I response to the original post, I would really like to have a forum for abuse/ detox nursing. I can't find info anywhere on any certification or anything and would love to talk to other addiction and recovery type nurses.

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I'm not sure how different it is in your state Alisha, but here's a link to Ohio's process to become a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor (CCDC). The rehab I was working at required that you either be a CCDC, or in the process of becoming one (RC)

http://www.attc2.org/NOinternet2/getCertified/certification.asp?ID=sohodadas

I myself was a Registered Candidate nearing completion of the first level (CCDC-I) when I took a job in OB. The cost of the process and the additional CEU's needed kept me from completing it.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I really enjoyed my work there, and am seriously considering getting back into it.

Heather

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:balloons: just signing on to this forum as a psych/substance abuse/detox nurse. I am certified as a CARN (Certified Addictions Registered Nurse) I currently work on a MICA unit.(dual diagnosis) Have been in the field for nearly 30 years. :p

I think a forum on this is a great idea!:D

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Specializes in med/surg, new FNP.

Thanks HEATHER, I am only 20 now and plan on getting my masters so that I will be able to excell in a specialized field. My town is kinda small so I really think I'll have to move to get to do what I want. The closest place I have seen to becoome certified is in Dallas but maybe I'm not looking in the right search. This is so my passion and I'd go anywhere to do it. Thanks

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I would love to see a form for nurses who work with chemically dependant individuals. I work in a dual diagnosis unit and there just isn't alot of education out there for nurses on how to deal with the chemically dependant patient. I don't totally buy into the theory that you have to be in recovery yourself to understand. (As some of my drug counsellors like to tell the rest of my staff). That would be like saying that you have to have had open heart surgery yourself to understand what your patient is going thru. Anyone out there who wants to chat about the addicted patient, please count me in. :)

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Specializes in correctional-CCHCP/detox nurse, DOULA-Birth Assist.

This is a job with a lotta work and no appreciation. I was never taught any of this in nursing school its kinda been learn as you go and oh yeah don't fuq up the patient as you go. I've been dealing with this mess for the last 5 years now and I don't see it getting much better anytime soon. Lack of nurses, lack of education on the subject and lack of funding for treatment...I love working with nothing, thats why I love my job.

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For Duckie----

You said you are taking Xanax 1mg BID with the 10 mg dose of Paxil---also that you tried to wean off it. The hyperness you had was NOT only from the Paxil but was serious withdrawal symptom from Xanax. You can't wean off Xanax---you will need detoxing for that. Only saying this with concern. Xanax is one of the most difficult tranqs to get off of. Good luck.

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I, also, would like to see this forum b/c I am curious about all things dealing w/nursing.

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