Nursing Interventions for Managing Patients with Substance Use Disorders: Review

Abstract

Background: Substance-related disorders (SRDs) pose a significant public health challenge, with rising global drug use and related fatalities. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach, particularly the involvement of nursing interventions to support detoxification and promote long-term abstinence.

Methods: This review systematically analyzed current literature from multiple databases, including Scopus and PubMed, focusing on non-pharmacological nursing interventions for SRD management over the past five years. The search utilized specific Boolean operators to identify relevant clinical trials and studies addressing the effectiveness of various nursing strategies.

Results: Findings indicate that non-pharmacological interventions, such as telematic monitoring, health education, and relaxation techniques, significantly enhance patient outcomes during detoxification. Positive reinforcement strategies, including financial incentives and community engagement, were also linked to improved adherence to treatment. However, many studies lacked long-term follow-up, highlighting the need for further research to assess the sustainability of these interventions.

Conclusion: Nurses play a critical role in the management of SRDs through the implementation of evidence-based non-pharmacological interventions. By integrating health education, relaxation methods, and positive reinforcement into comprehensive care plans, nurses can effectively support patients in achieving and maintaining abstinence. Future studies should focus on longitudinal assessments of these interventions to better understand their long-term efficacy and to refine nursing practices in this vital area of healthcare.