[Nursing care of the addicted patient]

As drug use in Canada rises and more and more intravenous drug users become HIV positive, nursing the addicted client takes on a whole new meaning. However, nurses may not have had the opportunity, during basic training, to cover the subject of substance abuse in depth. This article explores addictions nursing and provides information that will help nurses ensure quality nursing care for this population. The first part of the article provides statistics on drug consumption, followed by a classification of the various drugs and a definition of substance abuse. Nursing interventions to deal with clients' specific health needs are presented, as are innovative projects illustrating nursing achievements in the field.