LAUSR

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to evaluate the perceptions and knowledge of nursing students on the identification and intervention care among users of cocaine (smoked) patients. A cross‐sectional survey design was conducted with 164 undergraduate nursing students of two nursing school from Northeast of Brazil. A questionnaire on knowledge and attitudes and therapeutic commitment towards the use of cocaine (smoked) were used. The students stated that they received contents of substance misuse in the curriculum of nursing. Only 10% of the students reported that they had adequate knowledge on addiction to dealing with cocaine (smoked) users and wish to work with these users. There are positive perceptions on motivation, task specific self‐esteem and work satisfaction among students. HIGHLIGHTSNurses play an important role in direct assistance to drug users.Therapeutic commitment is fundamental for intervention of problems related to drug use.Formal educational is a contributing factor to enhance the ability and performance of future nurses.