Help...addictionologist

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Specializes in Med Surg,.

What is an addictionologist? I need to see one this week. What is the procedure?

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An addictionologist is a physician who specializes in treating addiction. I imagine the "procedure" would be a fairly lengthy, in-depth interview, and s/he might want to order some labs.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

If you're in a program, you might want to check and make sure which one's they would accept. I here, I think the IPN is specific about with docs they allow their participants to go to.

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Specializes in Med Surg,.

Thanks for the information. I did choose one recomended by the BON. I need to know the full scope of what to expect, how long is the interview, what are some of the questions, the whole process.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Hello - u have some of the same questions I did when I entered tx back in 1999. I went to a state facility, since when I lost the job, insurance was gone too. There were 2 in the entire state, Louisiana, that were BON approved. The one I saw was wonderul! He didn't even charge me when I told him I didn't have insurance. Very warm, didn't look me like I was ... a serial killer, for lack of a better word.

It was a lengthy appointment, but he made it so much more comfortable. The treatment center where I attended was able to schedule my appt while I was still inpt. so one of the techs drove me round trip and let me stop for some "real food" on the way back.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Anne, RNC

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.
What is an addictionologist? I need to see one this week. What is the procedure?

A medical doctor specializing in addiction = addictionologist.

Call the state medical board to see if they have names, or go to the American Society of Addiction Medicine web site to see if they have a list of addictionologists (ASAM - American Society of Addiction Medicine 301-656-3920)

Jack

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Specializes in Med Surg,.

Thanks

I saw the addictionologist, had the questions, and no diagnosis of chem. depends. I spent money for him to tell me what I knew and they knew.

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.
I saw the addictionologist, had the questions, and no diagnosis of chem. depends. I spent money for him to tell me what I knew and they knew.

As with our documentation, if it isn't documented, it wasn't done. Keep us posted.

Jack

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Specializes in Med Surg,.

You know, that is the first thing I learned in nursing school....document document chart and document again... How then did I loose site and allow my world to crumble?

What a painfull turn of events and life long payment I will have to endure.

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.
You know, that is the first thing I learned in nursing school....document document chart and document again... How then did I loose site and allow my world to crumble?

What a painfull turn of events and life long payment I will have to endure.

While you don't have a diagnosis of chemical dependence, could it be that chemical use has become the way you've discovered to manage difficult emotions? Communication, sharing, reaching out to others to help us through difficult situations and overwhelming emotions or relationships takes time and work. The other person or persons may not want to work through a difficult situation, or is also struggling and isn't capable of working through these difficult times.

The good thing about chemicals is they work in a predictable fashion. The bad thing about chemicals is they work in a predictable fashion. When we're using chemicals (or behaviors or food) to deal with difficult times in our lives, other areas begin to deteriorate. Sometimes a single event can be the wake up call we need in order to make changes in our lives.

How then did I loose site and allow my world to crumble?

You're human. We all lose site of important things in our lives. Our culture encourages us to worry about appearances. We're told we can "have it all". In reality there are very few of us who are able to have it all.

Even if you don't have this disease, using the principles found in the 12 Steps can be an excellent way to get your life back on track. Hang in there and focus on taking things one day at a time.

Jack

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Specializes in Med Surg,.

Thank you for that insight Jack. I had so much I was trying to escape and is nstead of confrontation I ran in the wrong direction.

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.
Thank you for that insight Jack. I had so much I was trying to escape and is nstead of confrontation I ran in the wrong direction.

You're not alone my friend. I think most of us find ourselves in that same situation at some point in our lives. Those who don't either don't leave their couch or simply don't have the guts to admit it. or they are psychotic and are incapable of recognizing they are in need of some assistance. It's nothing to be ashamed of, despite our cultures unrealistic expectations.

Hang in there!

Jack

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