What is the most interesting thing you have learned about while being a Substance Abuse nurse?

I would say the most interesting thing I have learned while being a nurse specializing in mental healthcare is to practice self care often. You come into contact with members of society that struggle to maintain their mental and physical health because they ignore warning signs about choices and consequences. As nurses it’s easier sometimes for us to care for others than to make changes in our own lives to promote our personal health and well-being. Practicing self care and having healthy boundaries will contribute to your ability to help others in their time of need no matter which specialty you choose to practice in.

Start with...it is substance use disorder an go from there. Abuse is a stigmatizing word. If you believe or were taught it is "abuse" then work in peds.
Billie Tyler, BSN, RN

Relapse is frequent

we need to care for the entire patient. DO a Berlin sleep questionnaire (unrecognized sleep apnea interferes with proper recovery and the ability to fully participate in the inpatient recovery activities and a small percentage of those with substance use issues actually got their because of unrecognized sleep apnea.

Load them up with Vitamin d - LOTS - I seldom meet a substance user who tends out in the sunshine drinking or doing their substance use thing. VITAMIN D makes a huge difference in mood and cravings. (I will not give number because I will get slammed as not knowing what I am doing despite 12 years of success at changing piles outlook)

We used to laugh that we were weird because we treated out patents like people not numbers.

The strength of the human spirit, and the interrelatedness and interdependence of us all.

watching a patient who is detoxing and assisting with that process, realizing that their needs are great and you need to help them to detox safely...