Nurse prescribing and in-patient alcohol detoxification

The role of nurses within the field of addictions, and alcohol in particular, has developed considerably in recent years. This is best illustrated through their role in detoxification both in the home and at specialist centres. This paper reviews the literature on nurse prescribing which has developed significantly in other areas of health care. A typology of current prescribing and administration protocols is presented before discussing issues that this raises which relate to alcohol detoxification. The advantages and disadvantages of nurse prescribing for alcohol detoxification are considered in relation to residential and hospital alcohol treatment centres (ATCs) and a preferred model of nurse prescribing is suggested. Barriers to nurse prescribing are highlighted and conclusions are drawn for the future of nurse prescribing in the area of in-patient alcohol detoxification.