Peer AssistanceAANA Position Statement 1.7Substance Misuse and Chemical DependencyThe AANA recognizes that substance misuse may lead to chemical dependency and addiction, a disease characterized by a chronic, progressive process that may destroy the professional, the family, and the anesthesia community. Chemical dependency is defined as a substance use disorder characterized by an inability or unwillingness to terminate utilization in spite of serious negative consequences. Although chemical dependency is a primary disease with genetic, psychological, and environmental influences and manifestations, a single use exposure of potent anesthesia opioids has been known to cause addiction. The AANA is aware of the occupational risks for substance abuse development in anesthesia providers and the professional implications substance abuse may have for the practitioner. To address these issues, the AANA established the Ad Hoc Peer Assistance Advisors Committee. (PAAC) to serve as a resource and support for nurse anesthesia practitioners and students. As a component of the Wellness Program, the peer assistance advisors continue to provide encouragement and support for CRNA well-being through (a) assessing the nature and impact of substance misuse and dependency on nurse anesthesia practice; b) educating nurse anesthetists, students, employers and the public about addiction; c) investigating the availability and effectiveness of treatment modalities; d) advocating research into the education, prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery of addiction; and, e) assisting individuals or organizations regarding intervention, treatment, aftercare and reentry into the workplace. In the interest of patient safety and practitioner well-being, the Wellness Program promotes education and awareness regarding the disease of chemical dependency and strongly endorses peer assistance advocacy efforts for prevention, providing safeguards to patients, and ensuring the individual rights of nurse anesthetists among the communities of interest. As such, the AANA supports the concept of the development of comprehensive drug screening policies consistent with state and federal law and national guidelines. Through the auspices of the Wellness Program, there is a commitment to providing primary prevention education strategies, informational resources and peer assistance advocacy efforts that foster CRNA and student well-being and professional self-care. Adopted by the AANA Board of Directors, November 1984 Revised 1998 and 2007 AANA Peer Assistance Home Page IANA State Peer Advisor Bob Berger, CRNA, MSNA |
