Former Alateen wanting to be an Addictions nurse?

[windmill182]

I am getting ready to start a LPN program this fall...and Addiction Nursing is something that I have a calling for...

I grew up with an alcoholic/heroin addicted/manic depressed mother. I have dealt with several of my mother's hospital stays from her drug abuse and suicide attempts. One hospital visit really struck a nerve with me when I was just 15 years old. I remember she was sleep induced in the ICU as a result of mixing medication with a large amount of alcohol. I was sitting outside her room, while two nurses were accessing her. I will always remember what one of the nurses said to the other in a sarcastic tone, "Looks like someone was using her AA book as a paper weight." I couldn't believe the insensitivity of such a comment. I knew my mother was no Angel, but I still knew she was deserving of loving care like anyone else in that hospital, regardless of what she did to get there. I told myself from that day that I wanted to be a nurse, so that could provide nonjudgmental care to anyone who needed it. I plan on making this my priority in my nursing career, whether it's a child, grandparent, drug addict, or even a prison convict.

I have strongly considered working with drug dependent patients in rehabilitation or a detox setting. I feel like I could provide loving care to these patients while not judging, and that is something they need to successfully attack their addiction. I know this because I eventually saw my mother manager her disease. I am proud to say that she is now 5 years sober.

However, when I told a family friend who is also a DR this, he told me that it might be unhealthy and in a way a "Codependent" move because of my history with my mother. Do you think its wrong to get into this field of nursing with a background like this? Could it harm me mentally or emotionally like this DR thought it would? Anyone have any experience in a situation like this? Thanks for reading..