What perioperative nurses need to know about substance abuse

Substance abuse can occur with legal drugs (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications), illegal drugs that are purchased on the street, or prescription drugs used for reasons other than health. Alcohol is the most commonly used legal drug, and cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are the most commonly used illegal drugs. Each drug has specific effects on body systems. Some drugs can lead to acute and chronic problems; some even can cause death. Perioperative nurses may be among the few health care professionals who assess and care for substance abusers. As such, they should be prepared to recognize the symptoms of substance abuse and implement measures to support and help these individuals. This article provides perioperative nurses with information about the use and abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; the acute and chronic effects that these drugs have on various body systems; and guidelines and interventions that can be implemented when caring for substance abusers.