Chemical Dependency
Chemical Dependency is a chronic, permanent and progressive disease. It has predictable symptoms and can be fatal if left untreated. It consists of repeated use of psychoactive or mood altering drugs, narcotics, tranquilizers, or alcohol until there is an addiction.
Chemical dependency is characterized by an individual being physically, and/or psychologically dependent on alcohol or drugs to the degree that it has personal and/or social, and/or work place consequences.
Impairment
It results when a nurse is unable to meet the requirements of a professional code of ethics and standards of practice because cognitive, interpersonal or psychomotor skills are affected by excessive drug or alcohol use (ANA, 1984). Chemical dependency is one cause of impairment.
Addiction is viewed as willful misconduct as opposed to a disease or dysfunctional debilitating disorder that often requires treatment and rehabilitation.
Impairment Assessment
It is the initial assessment that is done within a few days after the intervention. It should be done by a professional who specializes in chemical dependency and who has the skill and experience required to do competent in-depth assessments and evaluations. The skill and experience may be evidenced by specialization in chemical dependency or a certification in chemical dependency.
Signs and Behaviors Associated with Chemical Dependency
- Evidence of alcohol or drug use, odor of alcohol on breath, heavy perfume or mouthwash, wearing long sleeves
- Consistently signs out more narcotics than peers
- Makes preoperative rounds or visits at unusual hours
- Comes to work during scheduled time off and loiters around departmental drug supply
- Chooses inappropriate type or amount of drug
- Increasing mood liability with frequent, unexplained anger, overreacts to criticism
- Isolates and withdrawals from peers
- Gradual decline in work performance, job shrinkage
- Increasing or unexplained tardiness or absenteeism
- Frequent illness or physical complaints
- Dishonesty, often over trivial or unimportant matters..............
