Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
Early intervention is key to patient safety and positive recovery outcomes. Learn the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder and speak up to save lives. The following is a partial list:
Signs of Impaired Practice
- Smells of alcohol or cannabis
- Narcotic discrepancies
- Frequent errors
- Changes in drug ordering patterns
- Patient complaints about the lack of pain relief
- Offers to administer medications for other nurses
- Volunteers for extra shifts
- At the facility on days off/at odd hours
- Leaves the worksite frequently and unexpectedly
- Bizarre behavior
- Poor work performance
Symptoms of SUD
- Increased Isolation
- Avoids eye contact
- Defensive
- Lethargic or jittery
- Deteriorating appearance
- Verbally/physically aggressive
- Rapid change in weight
- Poor judgment or concentration
- Dishonesty
- Slurred and/or rapid speech
- Boundary violations
Washington Health Professional Services can help
WHPS came into existence on August 1, 1991. This voluntary, structured, supportive monitoring program was designed to assist nurses with treatment and recovery.
The WHPS program includes:
- Confidential consultation with the health professional, employer, or other concerned referring individual
- Referral for evaluation and treatment
- Individualized participation plan and case management
- Peer support
- Education and outreach
Alternative to Discipline Referrals (Voluntary Participation)
Nurses, employers, and others may contact WHPS directly instead of filing a formal complaint with the nursing commission.
WAC 246-16-220 states, "When there is no patient harm, reports of inability to practice with reasonable skill and safety due to a mental or physical condition may be submitted to one of the approved impaired practitioner or voluntary substance abuse programs or to the department." A report of substance misuse concerning WHPS meets mandatory reporting requirements.
WABON supports contacting WHPS as a first action before filing a complaint. WHPS will review the circumstances and provide appropriate guidance.
Advantages of Voluntary Participation
Nurses who voluntarily participate in WHPS are not subject to disciplinary action, and the Board of Nursing will not be aware of their participation if they meet WHPS requirements.
Voluntary participation carries the advantage of immediate intervention and referral to treatment, bypassing what may otherwise be a long legal process before formal intervention.
To self-report or refer a colleague to WHPS please call 360-236-2880, option 1.