Illicit substance use constitutes an important public health problem with increasing rates and decreasing age of onset. Intoxication due to illicit substances is one of the leading causes of admissions to pediatric emergency departments worldwide. The management of adolescents with substance use disorders, intoxication and mental health crises poses a major challenge for emergency service providers. In this context, the knowledge, attitudes and skills of nurses working in emergency departments play a critical role in determining the quality of care services to be provided to individuals who use illicit substances. The knowledge and skills of nurses regarding care and treatment processes directly affect the quality of care they provide to these patients. Early diagnosis, correct intervention and effective care services play an important role in the recovery processes of individuals with health problems due to addiction. Therefore, training and awareness of nurses on addiction should be increased and they should be equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills.