Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use behaviors of health professions students (HPS) were assessed by surveying both university-based HPS and other nursing programs in a Midwestern state in 1999. Response was 2,646 (56.4%) of surveyed students. Family history of alcohol-related and drug-related problems were reported by 39.8% and 13.9%, respectively, with 42.6% of respondents reporting one or both. Among nursing respondents, 48.1%, 19.2% and 51.1%, respectively, reported family problems with alcohol, drugs, or one or both. Past-year alcohol use was comparable to undergraduate college students (UCS) nationally (83%); heavy drinking, tobacco and recreational drug use by HPS were lower. Past year drug use was highest among medical students. Marijuana was the predominant illicit drug; medical students and males most often reported use. Health professions educational systems should proactively address student AOD prevention, education and assistance needs.

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Statewide nursing student alcohol and other drug (AOD) use attitudes and behaviors were assessed. Response was 929/2017 (46%) (practical nursing [n = 173/301] 57.3%; diploma and associate degree in nursing [n = 282/417] 67.6%; bachelor of science in nursing [n = 474/1299] 36.5%). Nearly 44% reported inadequate substance abuse education. Past-year AOD use included tobacco 36.9%, marijuana 6.8%, sedatives 4.6%, and opioids 2.6%. Past-year AOD-related events included blackouts 19.8%, class/work under the influence 6.3%, patient care under the influence 3.9%, lowered grades/job evaluations 6.6%, and legal charges 3.6%. Heavy drinking was reported by 28.9%. Practical nursing (PN) students most often reported tobacco use and sedative use, whereas Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) students most often reported marijuana use. Family histories of alcohol-related problems and drug-related problems were reported, respectively, by 48.1% and 19.2% of respondents; 51.1% reported at least one of these. PN students most often reported such family histories. Nursing educational systems should proactively address student AOD prevention, education, and assistance.

PURPOSES. To validate, from a client and family perspective, the defining characteristics for the nursing diagnosis altered family processes: alcoholism; and to identify demographic, family, and selected treatment information from clients and family members. METHODS. Subjects (N = 150) completed Fehring's (1987) Clinical Diagnostic Validation (CVD) Index for 110 defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis altered family processes: alcoholism. FINDINGS. Alcoholic families display behaviors of alcohol abuse, loss of control of drinking, denial, nicotine addiction, impaired communication, inappropriate expression of anger, and enabling behaviors. Family feelings indicate the presence of unhappiness, hurt, frustration, guilt, moodiness, powerlessness, loneliness, mistrust, anger, anxiety, and hopelessness. CONCLUSIONS. These clinically validated characteristics will complete the assessment phase of this research and direct the path to future studies to determine appropriate goals/outcomes and interventions related to alcoholic families.

This study was designed to develop and validate a new nursing diagnosis, altered family processes: alcoholism. The Delphi technique was used to obtain nurse experts' (N = 201) ratings of terms for the definition, related factors, and defining characteristics. Degree of consensus was determined by analyzing the mean, frequencies, and Fehring's (1987) Diagnostic Content Validity Index for items. Findings supported a proposed definition and related factors including family history of alcoholism and lack of problem‐solving skills. Defining characteristics were grouped into three categories: feelings (e.g. mistrust, insecurity, powerlessness, unhappiness), roles, and relationships (e.g. disturbed family dynamics, inconsistent parenting, marital problems), and behaviors (e.g. impaired communication, dependency, denial). Future research includes the proposal and testing of nursing interventions for alcoholic families.