The American Nurses Association says that about one in ten nurses today abuse drugs and alcohol. There are many signs that someone may be abusing substances. If you, or someone you care about, are experiencing these symptoms, it may be a good idea to reach out and help. For example, let’s look at different signs that a nurse could be abusing substances:

Attendance

First, attendance can take a hit when someone starts struggling with addiction. For example, some attendance issues may include:

• A large number of sick call-ins
• Confusion regarding their work schedule
• Longer coffee or lunch breaks
• Tardiness
• Frequent accidents
• Unlikely excuses for their absences
• Long breaks
• Being in the clinic during their time off
• Often absent from the clinical area while on duty
• A lot of trips to the restroom, break room, or locker room
• Request for work in a lesser supervised setting

Performance

Then, disturbances in performance with a substance-abusing nurse are common. A few changes in performance to know and look out for, for instance:

• Complaints from patients – for example, this is usually from lack of care
• Assignments requiring them more time and effort
• The tendency to blame others
• Having a hard time understanding and remembering instructions
• Overreacting to criticism
• A disinterest in their work
• Carelessness
• Distracted and forgetful
• Missing deadlines
• The inability to meet their schedules and does not get better

Use of Controlled Substances

Next, controlled substances are found in hospitals and clinics. There are signs associated with misusing these substances. For example, these signs can include:

• Using rarely used drugs
• Signing out more controlled substances than other nurses
• Tampering with vials or containers
• Frequent breaks and spills
• Unwitnessed or unnecessary waste of drugs
• Needs to be alone to obtain the drugs from their cases
• Gets defensive if asked about errors
• Inconsistencies in the patient chart and hospital drug records
• Frequent errors regarding medications
• Patients medications being wrongfully portioned often

Behavior

Next, drastic changes in someone’s behavior can also raise a few red flags. For instance, signs you should know to include:

• Inappropriate behavior
• Wears long sleeve shirts all the time
• Poor hygiene
• Mood swings
• Self-isolating
• Being uncooperative with hospital staff
• Unable to recall important information
• Drowsiness at work
• Saying sentences that do not make sense
• Not willing to change plans
• Irritability

Physical Signs

Finally, physical repercussions to abusing drugs and alcohol are always present. For example, the physical signs of substance abuse can include:

• Always using a breath mint
• Shaking hands
• An excessive amount of sweating
• High anxiety
• Always nervous
• Slurred speech patterns
• Arriving at work intoxicated
• Smells of alcohol
• Blacking out

To summarize, a lot of warning signs can co-occur with nurses struggling with substance abuse. When you suspect that someone you love is abusing a substance, you should get them help as soon as possible. Especially if they are in the medical field. They are caring for the lives of others. If they are unable to take care of themselves, this could cost an innocent individual’s life. Most importantly, getting the help needed as soon as possible is crucial.