A nurse suffering from substance abuse is a problem that terrifies the skills adequate to the standards of the nursing profession and the provision of excellence of care. Nurses are legally and ethically responsible for reporting colleagues who exhibit actions of impairment. Nurses must not only be advocates for patients, but also for other nurses. The main factor that puts nurses at greater risk of alcohol abuse is family history. Nurses who have a history of emotional harm, drug use, alcoholism, or emotional abuse in the family may result in the individual's low self-esteem. Overworked and overachieving puts you at greater risk of substance abuse. A stressful workplace environment is another factor that can lead to alcohol addiction. Demands for healthcare are increasing, due to shortages of nursing staff, an increase in patients with serious illnesses and overtime work which can lead to stress and alienation. Nurses may be more drawn to alcohol abuse to deal with stress. The prevalence of alcohol abuse is increasing among nurses. “10%-15% of nurses will abuse alcohol during their professional career” (Servodidio, 2011, p. 143). According to the general population of the United States, the estimated rates of the number of intoxicated nurses would be approximately 40,000. (Servodidio, 2011, p. 143). Nursing career is ranked as one of the 10 careers most affected by alcohol abuse. Statistics show that “more than a third of nurses drink more than is considered safe”, a further estimate also shows that “10%-15% of nurses will have alcohol or drug abuse problems at some point in their life professional career” (Servodidio, 2011, p....... half of the document...... nurses who believe they are in a worrying situation. By recognizing alcoholism as a chronic disease, the nurse can be involved in a most significant and those who live with alcoholism can cause them to seek the help they need. It is important for colleagues to give the nurse support and avoid judgment. A study showed that employees' supervisors remained further inclined to a more disciplinary approach, however the Staff nurses were convinced and recognized that alcoholic nurses had a treatable disease. Recognizing alcohol impairment may be easier to recognize once the stigma is removed. Next the essential discussions can occur followed by the crucial steps for help and support. Nurses are legally and ethically responsible for reporting colleagues who exhibit compromising actions. Nurses must not only be advocates for patients, but also for other nurses.