Abstract

The use of substances to alter mental states has existed in almost every culture known to man. Psychoactive drug use, however, has the potential to significantly threaten health at all stages of human development. Substances used have their greatest impact on mental and physical health based on the prevalence of use, the severity of induced addiction and negative economic and societal impact. Worldwide, nurses encounter and care for the mental health problems co-occurring and induced by substance use and its disorders. Pearson (2010) notes that mental health promotion strategies, within the umbrella of health promotion are the purview of all nurses. Based on education and practice setting, nurses must intervene to implement primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions to promote health, reduce harm, and build resilience within populations around the globe.