A Historical Approach to Understanding Drug Abuse Among Nurses

Investigation of the histories of 12 nurses who abused drugs disclosed an early and extensive involvement in medical treatment. A "medical dependence" became evident, manifested by somatic orientation, chronic medical difficulties, dependence on alcohol, and, finally, dependence on other drugs. Irrational attitudes toward addicting substances underlie this kind of progression. The authors believe that this developmental theme is significant in the genesis of addiction among nurses and that it should be dealt with during rehabilitation.