#9 Substance abuse/ Holistic Care

I didn't meet with Dennis this week. We are working on something up coming with him.  It has been hard to schedule time times with each other as well as with Dennis.  It seems We go over topics that are closely related in our lectures all the same week.  This can be good but sometimes a little redundant.

What does this all mean to me as my future as a nurse?  I often ask myself that question and try and find ways that will actually help me.  Sometimes it's a hard question to answer cause I feel that just like there is plenty of good information to learn that will help me I think that there is a lot that doesn't apply to me really being a better nurse.  I do try to take as much as I can to see what things are important.  Holistic care is always important and helps me remember there is so much more to nursing that just the actual diagnosis.

I think substance abuse is such an important thing that has an effect on so many people that understanding how to teach others and live my life in a way that reflects what I want to help others learn.  I think so many of us can think of a situation that we may be close to or have been near that substance abuse has devistated not just the abuser but so many lives surrounding it. 

My good friend that is now clean I lived with for a year and a half while in methadone treatment.  After his brother ODed and died he was decided to get clean.  On the other had another friend just got divorced after relapsing again and is now facing some big problems.  It's really hard to see how peoples lives can be completely ruined.  Just because some people can overcome drugs doesn't mean all or many will.  Even if you kick it once an addict you are always an addict. 

I have another good friend having serous relationship problems because one doesn't see the need to give up his smoking weed.  It's really sad to see how drug abuse causes so many problems with relationships.  I am always open to discussing this with my friends and always plan to be there for someone when they need me.  I hope to help others by educating and supporting them.