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A human brain is shown attached to the top part of the spinal cord. Thin nerves are coming out of the spinal cord.
Figure 15.1 The nervous system, the body’s control center, consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and a very complex system of nerves. (attribution: Copyright Rice University, OpenStax, under CC BY 4.0 license)

Substance use disorders are a major public health concern in the United States and affect millions of people around the world. The consequences of substance use disorders can be catastrophic for the client, their family, and society at large. As frontline health care providers, nurses play a crucial role in the prevention, identification, and treatment of clients with substance use disorders. This chapter will review the definition of substance use disorders, how to identify clients with substance use disorders, and how to manage their condition. In addition to nonpharmacologic treatment options for substance use disorders, this chapter will also review medication therapy to assist in the treatment of opioid, alcohol, and nicotine use disorders.

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© May 15, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.