Chapter 19 Substance Use and Misuse

Substance use and misuse disorders affect more than 40.3 million Americans (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2020) although only one in ten people receive treatment for these disorders (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2016). Regardless of their specialty area, it is imperative that nurses recognize the signs and symptoms of substance use disorders, have a basic understanding of resources available, and are able to assess for the life-threatening effects of substance use in the clients under their care. Substance use disorders are often found comorbidly with mental health or trauma disorders and medical conditions, such as diabetes, hepatitis C, and HIV (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2016).