Signs and Symptoms of a Potential Addictive Disorder

Our greatest opportunity for success is to prevent health problems, such as alcohol and drug dependency in the nursing profession. The nurses who already suffer from this disease must be assisted.

It is often difficult to identify a colleague who may be suffering from a substance use disorder. To identify nurses who may need help. Look for the following signs and symptoms:

· Increased and unexcused absences

· Late arrival and/or early departures

· Frequent unexplained absences during work

· Errors, particularly involving medication

· Consistently signing out more narcotics than peers

· Poor decision-making and judgment regarding patient care

· Lethargy and/or hyperactivity

· Mood swings

· Emotional hypersensitivity

· Increasing difficulty with authority

· Isolation and withdrawal from peers

· Frequent illnesses or physical complaints

· Increased number of accidents and/or injuries

· Deteriorating personal appearance

· Forgetful, confused and difficulty concentrating

· Legal problems