Addictions Receiving Facilities?? Anyone work in one?

[changeofpaceRN]

I couldn't find a section under the "specialty" section for this field and was wondering if anyone had advice or stores to share? I was contacted by an addition facility for young adults and I plan on calling them back. I have never worked in a substance abuse type program and was wondering what it is like, the good and the bad.

[nebrgirl]

Well, I've never worked in one as a nurse, but I hope too. I worked for 10 years as a counselor in an young adult substance abuse program and loved it. Sure they aren't always "grateful" for the effort you put in....at least they won't tell you that right away, and the success rate isn't huge, and some die far to young, (OK so that's the bad). But the good was it was never a dull minute, I felt like I had an impact on the future, and generally I worked with a pretty committed bunch of folks. Good luck to you!

[chgoreid]

I worked in one for 14 years. Some years as a nurse and the rest as a health educator. It is definitely mostly psych nursing. Where I was, there was little medical management. Mostly, med passing or psych/behavioral issues. I think it is good and I'd still be there if the pay was there. However, after 6 years with no raise and a recent pay cut I had to leave. It was hard seeing people die from their addiction. Especially those young ones. It really just made you realize how important addiction treatment is. Good luck in your venture and if you have any other questions, just let me know.