How alcoholic nurses seek medical assistence when its theie workplace

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Specializes in vascular, med surg, home health , rehab,.

I wonder if this has been someone who has dealt with this. Been drinking for 20 years, occasional at first and the past few years, it become a habit to drink 4-6 beers a night, 4 to 5 days aweek, have pain occuring over 3years in my abdomen, I am a floor nurse, never drink at work or before. But have finally acknowledged that it excessive and a problem I havent been able to tackle alone. I had to seek medical care at my own facility, and as a very private person, worry about getting admitted. I drove to a sister hospital ER rather than go to my facility. Hard to find docs I don't work with. I have had CTs x 3, ultrasound, xrays, labs all normal, but I have to consider pancreatitis despite normal labs. I know many staff who come to the own facilty, everyone asks them whats wrong, and I would die of shame to know my secret would be common knowledge. Insurance reasons aside, It has delayed a diagnosis, because I admit to drinking, but noone seems interested in amts or frequency. I dont lie but don't exactly offer up information when not quizzed. It might be a humble gallstone causing it but I find myself stressing out over being the patient who other nurses hate dealing with, given its "your own fault mentality". I wonder if this leads to serious complications because of the shame. Anyway, sorry for the ramble. Just wondering if this was a common experience.

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

There are numerous reasons people don't seek assistance when substance misuse or dependency is the main cause of other health issues. The 2 biggest are denial and stigma.

Why is there so much stigma associated with this chronic, progressively, potentially fatal disease of the brain? Because very few nursing or medical schools actually teach a course that discusses the disease of chemical dependence. They discuss all of the complications associated with dependence but rarely, if ever, discuss the primary brain pathophysiology. Research over the past 2 - 3 decades has provided an enormous amount of insight into causes, how the brain is altered structurally and chemically as a result of genetics, environment, and chronic exposure to the various mood altering substances available.

Congrats on realizing your dependence on ETOH and that you can't "do this" alone. That's the biggest hurdle of ALL the obstacles to seeking help. Consider taking FMLA and seeking treatment for your current physical consequences of ETOH as well as evaluation and treatment of your dependence.

Chemical dependence is treatable. It has the same success rate and "relapse" rate as other chronic, progressive, potentially fatal diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. (when treatment is appropriate...i.e., evidence based and of appropriate duration). There are numerous facilities that have developed programs specific to health care providers. We are tough nuts to crack as a result of our health care training. We have developed stronger systems of denial, delay in seeking treatment longer (mostly due to the stigma and fear of judgmental peers), work in an environment that is extremely stressful (which is one of the major risks for developing this disease and leading to relapse), and have access to some of the most powerful mood altering substances available.

As you said, you can't do this alone. The longer we wait, the more the disease progresses. We all know that the longer a disease process is allowed to go untreated the more difficult treatment becomes and the more difficult long term remission will become as well.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists has the longest history of any nurse specialty organization for helping their membership deal with this disease. They have a list of treatment programs which includes the three best known programs for health care professionals as well as other programs, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment facilities locator.

PM me if you have additional questions.

Hang in there. There is help. You are not alone. You are NOT a bad person trying to become good. You have a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disease and are trying to become well. Look at this disease as fatal as cancer. Just as you would do whatever it takes to treat that disease, you must also do whatever it takes to treat this one as well.

Jack

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

For a better understanding of this disease I highly recommend the DVD "Pleasure Unwoven". It's an award winning program explaining the disease of chemical dependence better than most resources I've read or watched over the past 20 years. As a peer advisor, it's one of the first resources I recommend to those seeking help with this disease in themselves, a loved one, or a colleague.

Jack

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Specializes in ICU, MS, Radiology, Long term care.

AM, Please be assured you are not alone. I can only tell you my own experience and how I was able to find serenity. Without serenity my life was chaotic and without clear direction. Life is not infinite and can only be lived one day at a time and lived forward, but only understood backward. All the things that happened in the past are just that. I cannot change the past, but I can learn from it. What's more I can't change anyone. I can't change their opinions, attitudes or prejudices. I tried many different 'cures' but only found the answer for me when I made it personal. I have to be willing to go to any length. I cannot afford to discount some idea or approach because it doesn't conform to what I think to be appropriate or what my peers think. Don't let the stigma of substance dependence prevent you from doing what is right for you. I would gladly be the object of ridicule and accusations of 'weak self discipline' if it will contribute to my acceptance of my own self. It is by knowing who I am that I am able to change me. That realization of who I am and how I can change myself is worth more than all the rumors and negative comments by people who profess to help me. I have to distinguish between suggestions by those who use recipes and those who really care and love me. Many times nurses and those in medical professions rely on scientific solutions. Don't discount the spiritual. It is the daily maintenance of my spiritual well being that allows me to feel good about me. When I feel good about myself I can see clearly and be a help to others. I can make decisions based on what is truly good for me, not only what I read in JAMA. Life is a balance. I hope you find yours.

I hope the best for you and that this may make some sense.

The only constant in life is change. I strive to change for the better.

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I would not go to my own employer/facility for treatment of any kind of medical problem, simply because I believe firmly in clear, healthy boundaries (and privacy).

Best wishes for your recovery!

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Specializes in ICU, MS, Radiology, Long term care.

The best reason for not seeking treatment with your employer is the possibility they will use your personal problem as a weapon. Your professional board may also do so. They both did to me.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Agreed. The last thing I'd want to be is a patient in my own facility, not so much for concern over the care I'd get (though there are some staff that I'd prefer to be taking care of me over others), but for the fact that even with the threat of HIPAA in the background, people will still gossip. And I'm already gossiped enough about as it is, thank you :)

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Specializes in vascular, med surg, home health , rehab,.

Thank you all for taking the time out to respond, thanks for the links and resource info & support. Nurses so used to taking care of everyone else we forget to take care of ourselves and this has been a huge wake up call for me. Time to do just that.

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