Back to blog
Reema was a shift nurse in a multi-specialty hospital in Mysuru. She was popular amongst the patients, doctors, and nurses. She was always pleasant and ready to stand in for extra shifts. To cope with the extra hours and the resultant physical demands, she would sometimes take painkillers. This seemed to help her; but the loss of her husband in an accident when she was barely 30, pushed her over the edge. She began to take synthetics and she soon graduated to injectables. She knew she needed help, but was afraid to ask because she feared losing the job. Her colleagues who noticed her helplessness were afraid to report it since it would most likely result in Reema losing her job.
The story narrated above is fictional but echoes in reality.
Addictions or substance use is not uncommon in the nursing community. Addiction problems in nurses have been recognized for over 100 years. Studies indicate significantly high rates of illicit drug use in nursing students. The risk of addictions is quite high, given the challenging work life, especially when the nursing professional is also faced with personal challenges or tragedies. Addressing the nursing student community or any student community is imperative because if a person does not experiment with addictive substances till 25 years of age, the risk of such an individual getting addicted is quite low. Prevention is better than cure.
Research suggests that nursing students who experience stress and burnout are at risk for addictive disorders and that prevention strategies, such as social support and peer-student-faculty interaction activities, should be implemented (Haack, 1988; Haack & Harford, 1984)
Let us look at some common reasons behind the risk of nursing students and nursing professionals getting into addictions:
- Living away from families
- Long lecture hours, if a student
- Homework and project deadlines, if a student
- Extended clinical shifts
- Lack of a sense of belongingness
- Lack of self-motivation to learn
- Perceived fear of committing errors
- Frequent tests and exams, if a student
- Limited extra-curricular activities
- Uncertainties of placements & further study opportunities, if a student
- Expectations from families
Educating the nursing student on the health effects of substance use will be the first step. An informed mind will be able to cope with the temptation of substance use and stay away from substances.
The next step will be to strengthen the individual at all levels; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The result will be a strong, stable, and resilient nursing professional.
Step-1:
Addictive substances have profound negative effects on the brain and the nervous system. Addictive substances are essentially CNS depressants. Addictions are described as a chronically relapsing brain disorder. They work on the pleasure-reward pathway via dopamine. They affect two important parts of the brain, the prefrontal cortex where cognitive functions are processed, and the limbic region where emotions are processed. Addictions progressively impact the mental functions and emotions that steer individuals toward success in life. This should be a strong reason to stay away from addictions. Educating the individual on the above facts will go a long way in insulating the nursing community from the dangers of addictions.
Step-2:
Resilience training with yogic practices; pranayama, meditation, Sudarshan Kriya©, and life skills are the crucial steps that make the individual strong, stable, and resilient. Students of SSON learn all these in a simple and engaging format. Regular daily practice format is a part of the curriculum.
Sudarshan Kriya© is a cyclical rhythmic breathing technique that eliminates stress, fatigue, negative emotions such as anger, frustration, and depression, leaving one calm yet energized, focused yet relaxed. Sudarshan Kriya© incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath which harmonize the body, mind, and emotions. Through the regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya© and adopting lifestyle changes, many people around the world are leading stress-free lives while carrying out all their regular responsibilities. <Read more… hyperlink to https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/about-us/sudarshan-kriya/benefits-of-sudarshan-kriya>
Here are some tips to handle overwhelming situations that may push one to painkillers, tranquilizers, etc.:
- Practice yoga, pranayama, and Sudarshan Kriya© regularly, at least once a day. Let these be the first line of defense and find the strength to tide over overwhelming situations
- As SOS, 5-D’s help:
- Deep breathing: Take 10 to 15 ujjayi breath taught in The Art of Living Happiness Program
- Drink water: Take slow sips of cool water, taking time to finish the glass of water
- Distraction: Change surroundings, sit down & relax, take a shower
- Discuss: Talk to a friend, a senior, or a relative
- Dhyana: Do a short guided meditation
Vikram Manikya
Director
Wellness Programs Department
The Art of Living International Centre
Bengaluru 560082
Email: vikram.manikya@in.artofliving.org