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What Does a Substance Abuse Nurse Do?

A substance abuse nurse cares for people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs or are involved in other kinds of substance abuse, often in drug rehabilitation programs. Also called pain management nurses, these nurses help regulate medications. Substance abuse nurses offer daily support to addicted patients, fielding phone calls from patients looking for support 24 hours a day. As a substance abuse nurse, you would also be responsible for running patient support groups and counseling programs and offering education and support to patient families.

Education & Training Required to Become a Substance Abuse Nurse

To become a substance abuse nurse, you first need to be a registered nurse (RN). Degree programs are available online or on campus. After working three years as an RN and working at least 4,000 hours in substance abuse nursing, you can pursue certification through the International Nurses Society on Addictions. Passing their certification exam qualifies you as a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse. Because specific substance abuse nursing degree programs are not available, you learn much of your expertise working in the field.

Typical Characteristics of a Substance Abuse Nurse

Compassionate, empathetic, and creative nurses seek work and degree programs in substance abuse nursing. Substance abuse nursing often requires a personalized approach for each patient in drug rehabilitation programs. Diligent substance abuse nurses offer hope, confidence, and counseling to their patients.

High Demand for Substance Abuse Nurses

Almost 17 percent of the total U.S. population over the age of 18 will have alcohol, drug, or other substance abuse problems during their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Because substance abuse is one of our nation's top issues, there is considerable demand for substance abuse nurses.

Job employment for RNs in general is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In 2008, the median annual salary for registered nurses was $62,450, the BLS reports.