Addict Nurse Looking For Rehab

World Australia

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Hi there, everyone.

I have a friend who is addicted to amphetamines. This friend of mine is a nurse and while she doesn't use at or before work the amphetamines have a huge negative impact on her life. I want to get her into a rehab program to try and help her but I'm worried about the negative impacts this will have on her career and would like some advice or help if possible on how to handle this.

I truly hope that this thread will be well received; I am a very concerned friend and I want her to get the help she needs.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Is your friend a nurse in AUS/NZ? Addicts will not accept rehab until they are ready to commit to recovery.

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Is your friend a nurse in AUS/NZ? Addicts will not accept rehab until they are ready to commit to recovery.

She is indeed in Aus.

She has a certain level of cognitive dissonance around her addiction. She hates it and hates drugs and beats herself up over using but then she doesn't want to give them up and will use if given the option.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

If she would rather continue using, there isn't much you can do to help until she is ready to come clean or is caught by a regulatory authority.

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Hi, surely your friend has access to an Employee Assistance Program? It is fairly common practice that employers provide EAP insurance to employees while it is not uncommon for employees to be oblivious to their rights to these services. I'm a volunteer and I get access to them! You can access services for a variety of purposes: from bereavement counselling to addiction rehab programs. Given that they are used to dealing with employees they'll likely have sound advice regarding the professional rammifications of seeking help. Nobody should feel like they will lose out to get help, it's really shameful that our society does not do it's best to support people who are going through addictions and I hope your friend gets help if she wants it. It's good that she has a friend like you looking out for her. Best of luck.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hi, surely your friend has access to an Employee Assistance Program? It is fairly common practice that employers provide EAP insurance to employees while it is not uncommon for employees to be oblivious to their rights to these services. I'm a volunteer and I get access to them! You can access services for a variety of purposes: from bereavement counselling to addiction rehab programs. Given that they are used to dealing with employees they'll likely have sound advice regarding the professional rammifications of seeking help. Nobody should feel like they will lose out to get help, it's really shameful that our society does not do it's best to support people who are going through addictions and I hope your friend gets help if she wants it. It's good that she has a friend like you looking out for her. Best of luck.

Just curious are EAP (employee assistance programs) common in AUS/NZ. I know they are common in the US

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

Yes, plus the ANMF has services and if in Victoria there is a a program that was run through the now defunct NBV. It has been maintained however despite national registration. Also counseling via GP. However as someone said, this person needs to be willing to change, we cannot force it.

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Hi there, I can't comment on NZ, all I know is that they do exist. I volunteer with an organisation in Aus and have access to EAP through them. Well worth asking HR about it. May also be called Employee Assistance Services (EAS).

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