Help for an addict

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I have a close friend that works in the ER as an RN and is addicted to morphine and dilaudid. How can this person get help and clean up their life without loosing their license? We live in CA. Please help! What is the first step to take. Thank You in advance for your advice.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Going into Detox...first step....now, and not later....and turning in all of the stash...all of it.

Separate from all connections to acquire the drugs...that also means "turning in" his/her list of suppliers/pharmacies used and hand giving this list to the primary physician/counselor treating him/her....coming clean in this aspect too. It is also a personal ritual of saying goodbye to the drug source(s).

Separate from all known users in friends/family. Codependence runs high.

Join some local support groups, find a sponsor or two, stay glued to them. Idle time provides time to minimize and to rationalize for the relapse.

Journaling. Folks with narcotic dependence have some of the worst denial as a group. Journaling and sharing that journal with a counselor and/or sponsors helps one face it. Dishonesty and/or lying to others also tends to be heavily used as a "maladaptive skill" by folks who become dependent on narcotics. Psychologically, it often becomes second nature for the narcotic addict to lie or to be dishonest...which digs the ditch of denial all the more deeper. This maladaptive skill needs unlearned via confrontation by his/her supports...as well as by the addict beginning to "practice honesty" as a new skill. Time to come clean often means learning how to "talk the straight talk."

Watch for and take steps against cross addiction into something else.

Concentrate on getting proper sleep, diet, and exercise. Exploring new avenues to self soothe and relax...meditation/prayer, yoga, running, biking, walking/jogging, tai chi, relaxation breathing/exercises, picking up art, et cetera.

Sounds like alot....but a whole life style change needs to take effect...because often an addict builds and surrounds one's current life centered on the drug(s)...has to change or relapse. Narcotic dependent folks have the highest recidivism rate among all substance users. Therefore, the recovery program needs to be tight...very tight.

My best to you and your friend.

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Thank You Thunderwolf for your advice.

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