Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1200039
18 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com January 13–February 17, 2020 Every situation is unique, but in my case, admitting that I needed help and accepting treatment was- n't the end of my career, as I'd feared. Instead, it was the begin- ning of the end of my addiction. At times, the journey has been humili- ating, nerve-wracking, exhausting and expensive. However, the well- being and personal growth I've cul- tivated in sobriety have been more than worth it. What I Wish I'd Known Reflecting on my circumstances and the choices I made, there are things I wish I'd done very differ- ently. I wish I hadn't bought into the fallacy that working more over- time hours in a busier department would earn me extra points as a nurse or elevate me to some hypo- thetical pinnacle of the nursing profession. I wish I'd known how and when to ask for help, and that asking for help didn't necessarily mean com- pulsory expulsion from the nursing profession. I wish I'd known that fighting to hide my stress and "keep it all together" would just lead to my falling apart. There's no changing the past, but I can use it to demonstrate to others that overcoming addiction is a strength, not a weakness diminishing your worth as a nurse. In that way, I can transform a shame-filled story into an example of empowerment and hope. If you're struggling as I did, know that prevention and recovery are possible. However, the nursing profession needs more early edu- cation and better self-care promo- tion. We in the healthcare industry need to have candid, compassion- ate conversations about addiction so that we can eradicate shame and stigma. Above all, we need to empower ourselves and our colleagues to seek help long before drug diver- sion occurs while supporting nurs- es on the road to recovery. Look for Part 2 of this story in our next issue on February 17, 2020. WN Seek Help If you recognize that your problem can't be addressed on your own, it's time to reach out for help. • Your workplace's employee assis- tance program (EAP) may offer a vari- ety of free or reduced-cost services, including financial planning advice, legal help and individual or family counseling. Insurance benefits may cover treatment, counseling, massage or acupuncture. Also, research what support groups may be available in your community. • If you suspect or know you abuse drugs or alcohol, seek help immediate- ly. Call the national crisis line (1-800- 662-HELP) or talk to your doctor, a trusted colleague or your supervisor. • Look into the BRN's Intervention Program (www.rn.ca.gov/interven- tion), an ATD program that offers con- fidential help for nurses with sub- stance abuse problems. Entering the Intervention Program is a big step because you will have to stop practicing for a time, and you will have practice restrictions until you complete the program. However, the alternative could be losing your license or worse! The Unexpected Addict Anonymous Recovery Support Groups Here are several options: • Recovery Dharma (recoverydharma.org): Buddhist- inspired, mindfulness-based recovery (a personal favorite of mine!). • SMART Recovery (www.smartrecovery.com) : Free sup- port groups based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy. • Alcoholics Anonymous (www.aa.org): The venerable organization offers a Meeting Guide app to help you find meet- ings in your area. • In the Rooms (www.intherooms.com): Weekly online sup- port group meetings for people struggling with addiction. The meetings are also open to friends, loved ones and allies.