A nurse suffering from substance abuse is a problem that terrorizes the skills adequate to the standards of the nursing profession and excellence of care. Nurses are legally and ethically responsible to report colleagues who exhibit acts of impairment. Nurses must advocate not only for patients, but also for other nurses. The main factor that puts nurses at greatest risk for alcohol abuse is family history. Nurses, who have a history of emotional damage, drug use, alcoholism or emotional abuse within the family, can lead to low self-esteem of the individual. Overwork and overachieving pose a higher risk of substance abuse. A stressful workplace environment is another factor that can lead to alcohol addiction. Healthcare demands are increasing, due to shortages of nursing staff, an increase in the number of patients with more serious conditions, and overtime that can lead to stress and alienation. Nurses may be more likely to resort to alcohol abuse to cope with stress. The prevalence of alcohol abuse is increasing among nurses. “10 to 15% of nurses will abuse alcohol during their professional career” (Servodidio, 2011, p. 143). According to the general population of the United States, the rates estimated by the number of poisoned nurses would be approximately 40,000. (Servodidio, 2011, p. 143). The nursing career is ranked among the 10 careers most affected by alcohol abuse. Statistics show that “more than a third of nurses drink more than is considered safe.” An additional estimate also shows that "10 to 15% of nurses will have problems with alcohol or drug abuse at some point during their professional career" (Servodidio, 2011, p. ...... middle of the document......nurse who she believes finds herself in a troubling situation By recognizing alcoholism as a chronic illness, the nurse must become more meaningfully involved and those living with alcoholism. can do so. seek the help they need It is important that colleagues be supportive of the nurse and avoid judging them. A study showed that employees' supervisors remained inclined to take a more disciplinary approach. but staff nurses were convinced and recognized alcoholic nurses as suffering from a treatable illness. Recognizing alcohol impairment may be easier to recognize once the stigma is removed. The essential discussions followed by the crucial steps of help and support can then take place. Nurses are legally and ethically responsible to report colleagues who exhibit acts of impairment. Nurses must not only advocate for patients, but also for other nurses..