Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center’s chemical dependency unit is a 26-bed, voluntary detoxification unit that treats patients referred from community addiction programs, emergency departments and local physicians. The unit also treats patients with other medical issues, in addition to substance abuse, who wish to be treated for their addictions.

Patients with addictions are often among the most marginalized groups in the community and draw little support. However, the successful treatment of just one patient can have far-reaching effects, benefiting not only the patient but the patient’s family and community as well. Nurses in the chemical dependency unit perform a vital role in this success.