Substance Abuse, GCSE Coursework Example

1.Substance abuse is a serious problem in many communities and families. It represents a significant challenge for nurses and other healthcare providers to address the health risks related to substance abuse and the long-term consequences of this behavior. It is estimated that approximately 22 million Americans suffer from substance abuse in one or more forms, thereby increasing the need for additional resources and guidance in this area (Healthy People 2020). The response to substance abuse from the general public is mixed because substance abuse is often viewed in a negative context, in spite of its difficult and extensive grasp on many individuals who struggle with this condition. Therefore, nurses must shed some light on this condition and contribute to education and treatment for clients who face this condition.

2.Substance abuse does not discriminate and impacts many areas of the population, from teens to adults, from veterans to healthcare professionals. Therefore, this problem requires comprehensive solutions in order to accomplish the tasks associated with identifying specific treatment objectives that will have a positive impact on patients. Many protocols exist throughout nursing practice that address substance abuse in greater detail, and these perspective emphasize the importance of different methods to manage diagnostic and treatment outcomes in an effective manner (Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, 2012). The problem with many substance abusers is that they are able to mask their conditions effectively for a period of time so that their addictions often go unnoticed, and this is a serious concern that has a negative impact on these individuals the longer they abstain from treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop strategies to accommodate improvements in patient care and treatment, as well as the opportunities that are available to enhance patient outcomes once the problem is identified and treatment is sought. Since substance abuse is so significant throughout the population, it is necessary to establish a greater understanding of the scope of this problem in order to develop methods to treat the condition in an effective manner.

3.Nurses must work collaboratively to ensure that substance abuse problems and treatment strategies are managed without delays or hesitation. Therefore, it is important to identify the methods that are commonly used to accomplish treatment objectives, as well as strategies for prevention that will lead to favorable outcomes. For example, common screening techniques include AUDIT-C and SMAST-G to identify substance abuse in different forms and to determine how to best move forward with the appropriate treatment plan (Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, 2012). In this context, it is important to identify the strategies that are likely to be most effective for the individual in question, as not all strategies will work for all patients. From a nursing perspective, clients must be advised regarding their level of substance abuse and the behaviors that have led them down this path in the first place (Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, 2012). These options will ensure that clients are provided with the best possible framework for achieving success and achievement in treatment.

4.One of the key interventions that is available for nurses to address clients with substance abuse is known as FRAMES, which is defined as follows: 1) Feedback for clients that is associated with current health status; 2) Responsibility in ensuring that client directives are appropriate; 3) Advice must address the issues that are most prevalent for clients; 4) Menu involves the alternatives that nurses propose to clients in regards to future substance abuse behaviors; 5) Empathy in order to provide the client with a safe environment to begin treatment and address the problem directly; and 6) Self-efficacy, whereby there are significant opportunities for growth that involve recognition of negative behaviors as well as options to promote change (Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, 2012). These efforts are instrumental in enabling nurses to guide clients towards the appropriate path to treatment that will be effective in shaping their future choices. It is important to continue successful intervention efforts so that clients are treated successfully at all stages of the process.

5.From a nursing perspective, substance abuse is a serious problem that requires treatment and a framework for behavioral change. It is necessary for nurses to take the steps that are necessary to provide their clients with a framework for change through the recognition of triggers that lead to substance abuse behaviors to begin with. This will facilitate a greater understanding of the issues that are most relevant to clients as to why they began to drink or do drugs in the first place. It is difficult for many clients to open up regarding these experiences; therefore, it is necessary for nurses to take the steps that are necessary to encourage clients to open up and to share their experiences. Nurses will not only provide much-needed clinical guidance regarding the dangers of substance abuse, but they will also demonstrate the importance of providing guidance and support through established psychological frameworks in order to ensure that clients do not fall back into negative patterns once they have begun treatment. These efforts are essential to the success of different treatment plans and in supporting clients through this very difficult transition period. When these efforts are made, it is likely that clients will respond favorably when they recognize that nurses support them and provide them with the resources that are necessary to promote effective outcomes for these clients on a long-term basis. Therefore, nurses must actively contribute to these activities in order to accomplish the objectives sought through active interventions, education, and guidance as necessary throughout the intervention and treatment phases. Nurses are essential to this process and have a positive impact on patient outcomes because they demonstrate compassion and empathy for these situations.

References

Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing (2012). Substance abuse: nursing standard of practice protocol: substance misuse and alcohol use disorders. Retrieved from http://consultgerirn.org/topics/substance_abuse/want_to_know_more#item_5

Healthypeople.gov (2013). Substance abuse. Retrieved from http://healthypeople.gov/2020/lhi/substanceabuse.aspx