In this issue of Nursing Clinics of North America, guest editor Dr. Linda Stone brings her considerable expertise to the topic of Substance Use and Abuse. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) has long been recognized as a serious issue in the nursing and medical professions and in healthcare in general, yet gaps in knowledge about this disease continue to exist. Education to promote SUD awareness, reduce stigma, and assist in the early recognition and intervention of impaired individuals is essential for helping nurses continue to protect patients in the healthcare environment. The clinical reviews in this issue help fill the existing knowledge gaps about SUD in the nursing profession. Contains 15 practice-oriented topics including compassion fatigue and substance use disorder; the importance of a recovery-friendly environment when returning to clinical practice following SUD treatment; how workplace challenges impact the risk of SUD in a healthcare environment; why health care professionals often don't ask for help; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on substance use and abuse, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.
