1. Explaining the neurological process of addiction in the context of:
- physiological changes that happen in the brain when addiction is present,
- identifying and recognizing signs of addiction in patients from all settings so that they can be treated and referred to the appropriate care accordingly.
- Explain what your personal views are about addiction before and after learning about it
- Explain how and why addiction is a disease and what happens to brain function
- when addiction occurs and when recovery takes place.
- Discuss why as a nurse, recognizing and addressing addiction/recovery issues is important in today’s approach to the medical treatment and care of patients in any setting.
- Include in this discussion how addiction affects the family system of your patient with addiction and why it is important to also address helping the family suffering from the substance use disorder of one of their members.
- What would be your role as a nurse if your patient is the loved one of someone with active addiction?
- What resources would you give?