Nurses Can Play a Key Role in Preventing Substance Abuse

Nurses remain in close contact with patients and spend more time with them than most healthcare professionals. This prolonged interaction often leads to a stronger emotional bond, enabling nurses to better understand patients' behaviors and concerns.

If nurses are well-informed about substance abuse and addiction, they can identify early signs of addiction more quickly and motivate patients to seek treatment and quit harmful habits.

With this objective, senior physician Dr. P.C. Jain, who has been actively involved in de-addiction campaigns for over three decades, conducted an awareness session for nurses at Paras Hospital today. Through a detailed presentation, he explained how to recognize the early symptoms of various forms of substance abuse and addiction.

Dr. Jain highlighted three major fears that often prevent individuals from seeking treatment for addiction:

1. How will I cope with withdrawal symptoms?

2. What will the de-addiction treatment process be like?

3. Will others find out that I am undergoing treatment for addiction?

He emphasized that nurses, through their close emotional connection with patients, can help alleviate these fears, provide reassurance, and encourage individuals to pursue de-addiction treatment.

Dr. Jain stated that nurses can play a significant role in addressing the growing problem of substance abuse in the country by promoting awareness, early detection, and timely intervention.

The program was conducted by Satyanarayan Menaria, while Dr. Vaishali Bodal delivered the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a group performance of the “Nasha Geet” (Anti-Drug Song) accompanied by dance.

Participants in the song and dance presentation included Pooja Nagda, Prince Kalal, Wali Ullah Ahmed, Anita Katl, and Diya Chhetri.