ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF NURSES STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

This review aimed to highlight the problems that individuals who are addicted to substance have with social stigma. Nursing approaches to these problems were reviewed in the light of the literature and updated information about the subject was presented. The study was conducted by reviewing the literature in Turkish and English databases and ''substance abuse, stigma, nursing, care, struggle '' key words were scanned. In general, the negative attitudes towards individuals who are addicted to substance make it difficult for them to heal and integrate into social life. Individuals who are addicted to substances are exposed to stigma not only by society but also by health professionals. While working with patients using substances, nurses must understand discrimination, ethics, professional, legal practices and be aware of their attitudes and behaviors in order to ensure proper care for all their patients. Nurses who have an important role in the prevention of addiction and during the treatment process in the team have a core role in their qualifications and knowledge levels in providing quality, accessible and evidence-based care for substance addicted individuals. (c) 2017 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.UK