Drug Abuse

In this lesson, we will define drug abuse and drug addiction and determine the similarities and differences between the two disorders. We will then look at the causes and risk factors for developing an abuse or addiction disorder.  We will discuss drug tolerance and how it contributes to drug abuse and increases the risk for overdosing on a substance. We will then identify some of the classes of abused substances and signs and symptoms of use of each. An important topic within this section is signs and symptoms of drug overdoses, particularly opioid overdose, and the treatments and interventions for this situation.  Finally, we will review nursing interventions for drug overdose and abuse along with summarizing side effects of medications to be familiar with.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Identify causes and risk factors for drug abuse and addiction
2. Describe signs and symptoms of drug abuse
3. Explain treatment for withdrawal from drugs
4. Predict nursing interventions utilized in treating drug withdrawal