Just starting intervention program in CA, any words of encouragement would be appreciated

1sttime · Feb 21, 2017

Gosh- that was me 5 years ago- if I could give myself some words of advice back then:

-I would tell myself to stop obsessing with the "what if" scenarios

-I would (and still struggle with this) do something physically active every day

What helped me to get through the first year was a lot of distraction like netflix, and ice cream. Maybe not the best, but looking back I was recovering from a disease, I needed the rest and recovery- just like other patients.

Recognize that your thinking will change, that your brain pathways are different right now, that you will feel "normal" again. You can make it through- its like layers of an onion to figure out the root of your reasons for self medicating- I no longer carry the knot in my stomach that was there for years. It took a lot of "ah ha" moments to get here.

You can do it- you will be glad you did. I went through my program and have a license in good standing- I don't work as an RN anymore- but I am glad that I went through the program- I am a better person to myself for it.

dagobah, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 23, 2017

First, I got to get use to the new name. I knew it as Diversion.

Words of advice and support? Well, you've taken the first step it sounds like: admitting you have a problem and acknowledging it. This is going to be a long road, but very doable. This was me 9 years ago...August 2008. Total time 4 years 3 months.

There'll be moments of happiness and moments of utter depression and self-pity. Hang in there you can do it. I don't want to sound preachy because that's how I took it when I was new. Nothing is funny when you're new to recovery. Go to a lot of meetings and believe it or not when you get to your IOP, Intensive Outpatient Program, you will learn a LOT! Support group was great but ends up not being a good place for recovery after awhile. remember...these are pissed off nurses, rightfully so. I know there are some nurses that are not alcoholics are addicts that end up in Diversion, but YOUR story is saying you are. Focus on your recovery and do this for yourself not your spouse or family. For you!!!!

When this is all over, believe it or not, your going to face a very real, but quality problem.... LIFE AFTER INTERVENTION/DIVERSION. But, thats for another time. Praying for you!!