Help!!!!! Encouragement

Just hang in there and do the very best that you can. Don't be down on yourself, look you have 7 months sober! Seven months of life without being high,, you can actually SEE. and FEEL. Nursing is not the only thing in the world to do and your life will not end if you are not a nurse. Just please remember that,, and always remember that your sobriety is top on your list of priorities. IF you mess that up.. then forget your other priorities.. they go down the toilet.

Hey Mag,

When I first went into recovery I had a lot of support from family and friends. After a while though life went back to normal, and while my family and friends are there for me, they truly can't understand what it's like to be a recovering addict. Have you tried AA or NA? If money is an issue it's your best option because it's free. Getting a sponsor and becoming part of the recovering community is the best way to go in terms of getting support you can't get from family. Also, when you go to your board hearing they will look highly upon the fat that you are in AA or NA.

It's very expensive to be monitored by the state, I know that for sure. I spend about $600 a month on drug tests, counseling and medications. It's hard, and I can imagine the board will take your financial position into account. If you're in AA or NA they may be more lenient on you. You obviously can't be certain about the outcome of the hearing until you've gone through it, but doing something to show you're in recovery is better than doing nothing.

I hope it all works out for you.

"I spend about $600 a month on drug tests, counseling and medications."

Wow, that is a tremendous amount of money to spend when you are not working. What state are you in? I meet with the board tom. My old job called today and offered me a job, they even know my situation. I want to wait till after I meet with the BON. I agree that AA/NA is the best bet and yes it is still free. I have tried it all and for ME the 12steps are the solution. I am grateful to be in recovery today, I never thought I would say that!

I too was spending $500-800/month on the requirements by the HPRP in MI while I wasn't working. It makes it impossible to remain compliant. I haven't had a positive test in almost two years and they finally reduced my level of urine testing per month. My Dad had to help me get a lawyer to deal with the BON. Without a lawyer they totally dismiss you, keep you waiting (six months for an answer after a hearing, while not working) and will not give you fair treatment. I never realized this until I met with other RN's at my meetings. Because I didn't have a lawyer my license has been suspended for over a year. My Dad had to help me pay for a lawyer to even get a hearing! I am a mother, never diverted drugs from work or used ETOH! No DUI's nothing! Get a lawyer, by hook or crook or you'll never get things strightened out.

Peace8

Recovery is number one! Forget the BON, HPRP requirements. The 12 steps and rational recovery are cheap and if u work them they work. Go to rational.org. Good Luck! U can do it.

peace8