Psychoactive substance disorders among health care professionals.

Alcohol and drugs are involved in many cases requiring action against nurses and other health care professionals. Nurses are likely to be polydependent. Older nurses tend to use more alcohol and prescription drugs; younger nurses more likely use marijuana and cocaine. The supervisor of an abusing nurse is guided by the job performance standard and constructive confrontation. Every agency should have clear policies on substance abuse, so these policies can be implemented not created for the employee. Rehabilitation programs include inpatient and outpatient designs. The 12-step self-help group participation is most common.