Special Interest

Abstract Submission

Substance Use Disorder in the Anesthesia Provider: Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Observed Behaviors (1 Class A CE with 1 Pharm)

Speaker(s)

• 

  Nancy Sweet-Fitzgibbon, MSN, APRN-CRNA

  Associate Faculty, Staff Nurse Anesthetist
  OU Medicine
  Edmond, OK

Substance use disorder remains a disease denied disease status by many otherwise scientifically minded CRNAs. This denial leads not only to shame and lack of treatment of the affected provider, but also to injury of many patients provided suboptimal treatment. Neurochemical and neurobiological changes in the addict’s brain as a result to exposure to addictive substances will be described and detailed. Neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to change, application to the development of addiction behaviors, relapse and recovery will be discussed. The risk factors and behaviors specifically associated with anesthesia provider addiction related impairment and diversion will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the effect of undiagnosed substance use disorder on patients and the anesthesia provider.
• Explain the mechanisms of action and neuropathology of substances of abuse.
• Summarize the neurochemical and neurobiological changes leading to addiction following exposure to addictive substances.
• Apply the concept of neuroplasticity to the development of addiction behaviors, relapse, and recovery.
• Identify the biological, psychological, and occupational risk factors inherent to anesthesia practice and associated with addiction.
• Summarize signs and behaviors of impairment and drug diversion.
• Translate pharmacologic principles into the ability to identify impaired colleagues.