[The role of the nurse in services for drug dependents]

Aim of the work is to take into account the role of nursing in Drug Dependence Units, on the bases of the experience acquired by the Authors at the Servizio di Neuropsicotossicologia in Dolo (Venice). Two working patterns are distinguished, which have to be integrated in daily practice: 1) the fulfillment of "technical" tasks, giving particular importance to drug administration and laboratory data control (for chemical and toxicological testing); 2) the relationship with patients, with reference to the distinction between diagnostic function. It is particularly stressed that the nurse is the first staff operator to be brought in contact with patients and to follow them during the therapeutic program. The relationship with psychologically disturbed patients can be very hard and often too much involving. It is therefore important for nurses working in this field to have a specific training.