Caring with Humanity in Times of Addictions: A Challenge for Nursing

Abstract

In the current context of addiction, nursing practice is often developed within a care-oriented framework, focused on administering treatments and managing disordered behaviors. This dynamic, while necessary, risks relegating the essence of care: humanization and the therapeutic relationship. This article aims to critically analyze the role of nursing in the care of people with addictions, highlighting the importance of humanized care in highly vulnerable contexts. This opinion piece reflects on the challenges nursing faces in this field, especially within the framework of harm reduction and the care of individuals with dual diagnoses, who face high social vulnerability, stigma, and difficulties with treatment adherence. The need to integrate scientific precision with empathy, active listening, and emotional support is discussed, in accordance with conceptual frameworks such as M. Gordon's Functional Health Patterns. Furthermore, the relevance of humanized care as the essence of the profession is emphasized, proposing the nurse not only as a health promoter but also as a model of empathy, dignity, respect, and hope. It is concluded that the effectiveness of care should not be measured solely by abstinence, but rather by the ability to minimize risks, build trust, and provide comprehensive care. In this sense, ongoing training, sensitivity towards the individual, and holistic care ensure safety and well-being, and strengthen the role of nursing from a comprehensive and humanized perspective.