Abstract
A review of the relevant literature clearly illustrates that providing care for patients with drug- and alcohol-related problems is frequently difficult for nurses. Negative attitudes towards these patients and a lack of adequate knowledge and skills to deliver appropriate care are frequently postulated as explanations for this situation. Research has emphasized both the deficiency of drug and alcohol education within nursing education at all levels, and the effectiveness of education in producing more positive attitudes, and greater confidence amongst nurses in dealing with these patients. Little research has investigated the impact of this educational deficit upon nurses who specialize in the care of patients with drug- and alcohol-related problems. This paper addresses the findings of a qualitative research project undertaken with nurses from a drug and alcohol unit in a general hospital. Three main issues emerged from this study: the educational content of drug and alcohol issues in preregistration nursing programs; individual experiences in the care of drug and alcohol patients; and the identified need for drug and alcohol education for nurses. The findings suggest that specialist drug and alcohol nurses are also impeded by inadequate educational opportunities.