[Explanatory models for alcohol and drugs use and the nursing practice].

Nursing care practice, research and teaching have led to the accumulation of considerable experience in care for patients with problems related to alcohol abuse. This experience has shown that, among nursing professionals in general, there is a great need to acquire theoretical knowledge, to review the models or informal protocols that support practice in this area. This article aims at examining literature on the main theoretical models to explain alcohol and drugs abuse. It is concluded that, through an understanding of the explanatory models, nurses can seek means of facilitating their practice according to the health demand needs.