Week 4: Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

I can’t believe that stupid horse lost! My inside man told me it was a sure bet at 20:1 odds. I thought for sure that I would be able to make back the money I lost yesterday. What am I going to tell my wife? That was the money for the mortgage payment…well, the last three mortgage payments. She does not know I have been spending my days at the track. I lost my job at the company because a few hundred dollars went missing. I just need a break. I know this next horse will be my winner!

Michael, age 37

Substance abuse and addiction affects persons in all walks of life; every ethnic and economic group is affected in some way by addiction or substance abuse. In your practice as a PMHNP, you will encounter patients with substance abuse and dependence. Some of the people who present for treatment are at a low point in their lives and want to turn things around. They may present for other conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, or personality disorders. One of the most common ways of self-medicating a mental illness is with alcohol and illicit drugs. Marijuana is a common substance used by clients to treat various symptoms. To effectively treat clients with addictive disorders and substance use disorders, the provider needs to examine their own values and thoughts about the use of substances.