An Introduction to Community and Primary Health Care

Substance use has always been a feature of societies with the use of alcohol and plants with psychoactive properties for medicinal, recreational, religious, cultural and ceremonial purposes. While the use of substances is common, and some substances such as those used as medicines can be helpful, the misuse of medicines, alcohol and other drugs can cause physical, psychological, social, family and community harm. Working in the area of substance use and the treatment of substance use disorders can be confronting. For health practitioners, there are often competing moral and ethical dilemmas. An understanding of the impact of substance use and awareness of one’s own attitudes towards substance use is important if nurses are to be effective in assessing the impact of substance use and ensuring that individuals and families have access to appropriate and timely care. This chapter focuses on this specialised area of drug and alcohol nursing practice including supporting people using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.