Abstract
This paper examines the issue of drug addiction and abuse among professional nurses. The paper notes that as the largest group of representative health professionals, professional nurses may have predisposing factors that contribute to addiction. The paper also discusses treatment options, prevention and implications on the profession.

From the Paper
"The use of substances both prohibited and regulated in the health professional is no doubt a serious offense, whether from the point of view of her peers or laymen, and especially the patients under her care. Not only is this a betrayal of trust, a legitimate ground for disciplinary action both legally and professionally, but it is also puts patients in serious danger from the professional under the influence of any mind-altering substance, no matter how infrequent its use or potency. As the largest group of representative health professionals, professional..."

Tags:nursing, chemical, dependency

Abstract
The paper examines the biological and psychosocial prerequisites for substance abuse and subsequent addiction in nurses. The paper then looks at the treatment programs available as well as the preventative measures in place. The paper also discusses the implications of substance use, abuse and subsequent dependency for present and future nursing practice.

Outline:
Introduction
Position
Predisposing Factors
Treatment
Prevention
Implications

From the Paper
"In order to understand fully the pathogenesis of addiction, the biological and psychosocial prerequisites for substance abuse and subsequent addiction will be discussed. The pathogenesis of substance dependence conforms to a general behavioral pattern of cause and effect. An external stimulus such as stress in multiple spheres of an individual's life (e.g. work/school, home, personal) may trigger an initially behavioral response to these stressors. The pleasurable stimulation from intake of these substances, the escapist theme, and the aversiveness of the "reality" of the individual's situation conditions the individual to avoid the aversive stimulus and take in these substances, where their pleasurable effects serve as a reward, a positive reinforcement for substance-seeking behavior. Behaviorally-oriented treatments involve extinction of this reinforcement."

Tags:substance, abuse, risk, factors, treatment, prevention

Abstract
This paper relates that, in five years, the professional vision of the author projects that she will be in a position to lead other nurses in the field of mental health as head nurse of an adolescent drug and alcohol treatment facility. The author points out that to attain this goal she must develop skills in the areas of communication, organization, management and education. The paper explains that the author chooses to be a leader in the field of adolescent drug and alcohol treatment because she has seen in her own family the damage and devastation that drug and alcohol dependence can thrust upon, not only the addict, but also on everyone who loves or interacts with the addict on a regular basis.

From the Paper
"Locally I will help the nurses that I am charged with supervising learn the difference between caring for the patient and the family, and becoming enmeshed with them. This will be done through the encouragement of education and informational seminar attendance for the nurses who are relatively new to the recovery field of medicine. In addition, I will oversee the nurses on a monthly basis so that I can help guide them to provide the most professional and compassionate care possible."

Tags:relapse, tough, leadership, interpersonal, master

Abstract
This paper addresses the problem of health care professionals who become addicted to substance abuse and the importance of reporting a nurse suspected of drug misuse immediately.

From the Paper
"Substance abuse is one of the most significant and alarming conditions that plagues our society today. Substance abuse connotes an overuse or misuse of illicit or prescribed drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Illicit drugs are marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, and prescription drugs. In 2006, there were an estimated 20.4 million Americans aged 12 years old and above were current illicit drug users (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2007). This represents 8.3 % of the population that are at least 12 years old. Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance across the population. Marijuana is most commonly used especially among high school students. Among senior high school students, 66% have admitted drinking alcohol during the first 12 months, while 31.5% of high school seniors admit to smoking marijuana (U.S. Department of Justice, 2007)."

Tags:incidents, alcohol, medications

Abstract
This paper state that nurses, who are in need of rehabilitation, often find it very difficult to seek help because alcohol and drug addiction is considered to be a moral stigma rather than a physical disease, especially within the nursing profession. The author points out that, when a nurse is a victim of escalating addiction, it is not only in the interest of the nurse to help her but also in the interest of patients, the hospital, and the nursing profession in general. The paper relates that nurses are reluctant to report their addicted colleagues because of fears of what their colleagues may go through in terms of scandal and social misunderstanding, of causing a rift in friendships, of spreading rumors and (4) of being a trouble maker.

From the Paper
"The successful image radiated by many of the nurses with substance problems also makes it difficult for those around them to realize that there is a problem. When the problem does manifest itself, it is therefore already in its advanced stages. A further ethical problem is the reporting issue. According to Dunn (2005) and indeed according to the paradigm of the nursing profession, nurses have an ethical obligation to report harmful activities that may result in harm to patients. Patients' rights in this regard are very important."

Tags:availability, co-dependent, stress, superwoman, colleagues

Abstract
The paper begins with an explanation of the drug problem in today's society. It then goes on to discuss the negative impact of drug addiction on American culture (such as violence, drug addicted babies and the learning disabilities they develop). The cost of drug addiction to society (such as theft, accidents while under the influence and calling in sick at work) is looked at and the paper concludes with a synopsis of the paper's arguments.

From the Paper
"The war on drugs continues to hold the line with neither side able to declare victory. Young teens are experimenting with drugs despite programs of prevention such as DARE and Just Say No. Drug addiction crosses all boundaries including economic, racial, and lifestyle. It knows no limits and it affects every aspect of life from the ability to work, to the little children being raised by dealers. The drug addiction problem in this nation continues regardless of the efforts to stop its progress. It has a negative affect on American culture on every level."

Tags:problem, negative, impact, American, culture, cost, consequences, significance, effect

Abstract
This paper explores biological and learning theories to gain an understanding of addiction especially crack cocaine addiction. The author investigates biological models, which refer to the genetics of behavior and neurons and hormones that make some people much more prone than others to crack cocaine addiction. The paper also discusses learning theories, which focus on how persons learn to think and behave in particular ways. The paper further relates that these learning theories consider environmental, ritualized conditioning that depends upon a group or social framework, which can make an individual more susceptible to addiction. The paper concludes that it is important to see a phenomenon from more than one theoretical position.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Biological Theories and Drug Addiction
Learning Perspectives
Discussion
Concluding Note

From the Paper
"In some patients of the kind, where the brain's dopamine levels are lower than average, or dopamine is very sensitive to fluctuation, the person sometimes trying to raise his or her spirits by way of alcohol, most often, or marijuana or the cocaine that often proves very dangerous. Crack cocaine immediately affects the brain's dopamine processes so that the user soon feels extremely produced, longing for a new dose of the drug that is known to produce a feeling or normality and in some, euphoria."

Tags:genes, conditioning, abstinence, aversion, guidelines

Abstract
This paper brings forth the elements of psychological and cultural significance in Preminger's film, which was an important aspect of crime cinema being created in the 1950s. This paper reports that understanding the basis of the film in relation to drug addiction, it is clear that Preminger offers an insightful and modern interpretation of drug use in the post World War II period. This is how 'The Man with the Golden Arm' became a new form of film making through the French New Wave movement, and through the opening new psychological portrayals of criminals through drug addiction.

From the Paper
"This film study will examine the nature of the crime genre and the French "New Wave" as depicted in the 1950s era of filmmaking in Otto Preminger's The Man with the Golden Arm. Through this aspect of Hollywood filmmaking, one can realize the aspects of innovation that create a movie based on deviant acts through the drug induced behaviors of its central characters. By exploring this genre of filmmaking that gave license to the horrors of drug addiction in the 50s, one can realize the impact on culture and society this "French New Wave" styled film created."

Tags:preminger, film, french

Abstract
This paper reveals the statistics on health care professionals who regularly use dangerous drugs during job performance. The paper shows how substance abuse among nurses is a significant health problem for the impaired nurse, the nursing profession and healthcare consumers. An overview of the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) organization and its benefits is provided as well as a discussion on the need for early identification and treatment of the chemically dependent nurse. The paper calls for more education opportunities that also address the importance of stress as a contributing factor to substance dependency.

Outline:
Introduction
Definitions of Relevant Terms
Literature Review
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
""This is such a crazy day! I need a drink!" This exclamation is common among nurses who work in an increasingly stressful, complex, and distraught healthcare environment. Although usually said as a joke, the reality of nurses to have that drink and more is sobering. In fact, as cited in Kenna and Wood (2005), according to the Texas Nurses Association, one in seven nurses will struggle with alcohol or substance abuse at some point of his/her career. Stressful job environment, depression, and the short-term soothing effect of alcohol can be a dangerous combination for nurses - dangerous to health, career, and family relationships. The American Nurses Association (ANA) estimates that six to eight percent of nurses use alcohol and other drugs to extent that they impair their professional performance (ANA, 2002)."

Tags:addiction, dependence, drugs, alcohol, stress

Abstract
The paper provides some history of Henderson and focuses on two problems that face the city today; the lack of residents with a higher education and a growing drug problem. The paper addresses the need for effective drug and alcohol rehab and addiction treatment centers, but points out that a lack of educational attainment in the area leads to a lack of trained professionals, like nurses. The paper calls for an increase in nursing education in the area to properly staff rehab facilities and develop good drug education programs.

From the Paper
"On April 16, 1953, the City of Henderson, Nevada, was officially incorporated. Originally it was about 13 square miles in size. The City began to quickly grow and flourish. Presently, the City of Henderson has grown to more than 103 square miles and is the second largest city in Nevada. Henderson has become known as having small town values with big city efficiencies. "The city's official slogan "Henderson-a Place to Call Home" reflects a community that enjoys small town values while benefiting from big city efficiencies" (Our History, 2009).
"Over the years there have been an increasing number of major shopping malls, movie theater complexes, restaurants and casino resorts offer residents a variety of choices for leisure time. The City also possesses the largest recreational facility, the Multigenerational Facility at Liberty Pointe, in Nevada as well as Nevada's only scenic Bird Preserve. Henderson is located just a few miles from McCarran International Airport, and the Henderson Executive Airport, which was recently acquired by Clark County (Our History, 2009).
"Despite the growth and prosperity that Henderson has enjoyed over the years it has its share of problems as well. Two of these such problems that face the city today are those of a lack of residents with a higher education and a growing drug problem that is a concern to all. Both of these issues have direct links to the nursing profession and have an impact on the nursing community as well as the entire community as a whole."

Tags:drugs, rehabilitation, college, degree