The purpose of this thesis was to examine existing information on how substance abuse affects on brain function and how nurses use psychoeducation in the treatment of substance abuse patients. The aim of this thesis was to compile existing information to be used as a psychoeducational material in a psychiatric ward in Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District. Research questions were: How does substance abuse affect the brain? How do nurses use psychoeducation in the treatment of substance abuse patients?

The knowledge base comprises definitions of substance abuse, psychoeducation, patient guidance. The treatment of substance abuse, a variety of psychosocial treatments and the guidelines of drug policies in Finland was studied in the knowledge base. The research method used in this thesis was narrative literature review and the method of analysis is based on content and grounded theory. 14 articles were selected for the analysis.

The results of this thesis support the addiction theory in which the brain’s reward system, especially the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, plays a key role in the development of a drug addiction. Psychoeducation is used to inform the patients about the disadvantages and symptoms of substance abuse. Psychoeducation can be used in single or group treatment.

The conclusion of this thesis was that chronic and long-lasting substance abuse impairs substance abuser’s quality of life. Heavy substance abuse causes mental health problems, physical problems and social problems. This thesis was given to the psychiatric ward to be used as a psychoeducational material in nursing. In the future, neurobiological theory of addiction can be used in psychoeducation to provide information about addiction behaviour to the patient.