Background: Abuse of alcohol and drugs has increased in the western world over the past decades. For this reason, somatic health care receives a greater proportion of patients with substance abuse problems. This group of patients is often associated with some stigma and prejudice, which may result in an unfavorable reception when they seek health care.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate nurses' experiences in meeting patients with substance abuse problems in somatic health care.

Method: A literature review based on seven articles was conducted. The articles was based on both qualitative and quantitative approach of nurses concerning their experiences of addicted patients.

Results: The result indicated that among the nurses exist preconceptions about alcoholics and drug users, resulting in negative attitudes toward this type of patients. A recurring theme was that the abusers describes as difficult patients; violent, manipulative, and less entitled to health care because of self-imposed destructive lifestyle. Another theme was that the interviewed nurses complained of knowledge- and organizational shortcomings in the care of patients with addiction problems. Knowledge of drug abuse problems among nurses was considered to be inadequate, and health care providers were considered to have inadequate procedures to handle complications which can occur when addiction problem seeking treatment.

Conclusion: The nurses felt that it would be justified to add more time to learn about drug abuse problems. It was also considered that measures to improve the support of nurses' professional role is justified which include factors such as increased staffing and more support from doctors and managers.