Journal of analytical toxicology
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Individuals in any profession can succumb to chemical abuse. Among the healthcare profession, nurses represent a specific group because of their ease of access to drugs, particularly narcotics. Opioids, potentially highly addictive agents, are usually their drug of choice. ⋯ A hair analysis revealed the repeated intake of nalbuphine by the nurse. This person was treated for depression for several months with Effexor (venlafaxine) and Nordaz (nordiazepam) prior to the investigation. Hair appears to be a unique matrix to provide evidence for chronic drug exposure by establishing a historic record that is not possible by blood or urine analysis.