I've been a heavy drinker for close to 3 years now. It started after an injury and me falling into a depression. The injury is more or less resolved, but I'm still drinking every night. I know I have a drinking problem. I've discussed it with my therapist. I dealt with it all through nursing school and never sought real help because I was afraid if anyone found out I'd be kicked out of the program. Never at any point was I intoxicated while in clinical or class. Hungover, definitely, but never intoxicated.
The same is true now that I am working. I have anxiety and depression to begin with and my drinking is still bad but I don't know how to get help. Again, I have never been under the influence while at work. I've never had DUI issues or any legal troubles because of drinking.
The only thing that has been happening is me hurting myself by doing stupid things. Earlier this week I fell and hit my back and have a giant bruise and abrasion and bruises on my arms from where I tried to break the fall.
I know I need help, but I'm scared to get it. I've tried AA meetings in the past and they didn't seem to work for me. I never felt like I could relate because it seemed like everyone there had "hit rock bottom" while I'm still "functioning."
Have any of you ever sought help for alcohol abuse while working? Did your employer find out? What was the reaction? How did you learn to deal with the stress of nursing in a positive way?
There is an alternate system of community and web based support groups called SMART, which stands for Self Management and Recovery Training. It is non-religious, and based on cognitive behavioral theory. While I do not have any direct experience, I am glad there is another option for those who do not resonate with AA.
That actually sounds fantastic and I want to look into it. I live in a very liberal city, but to my knowledge there is no AA agnostica. I've done CBT in the past for my depression and anxiety and it worked for me. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!
Glad you found the SMART recovery resource useful. It's very good to have a program that also addresses depression and anxiety, which are HUGE triggers for excess drinking. I wish you nothing but the best in your recovery.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
That actually sounds fantastic and I want to look into it. I live in a very liberal city, but to my knowledge there is no AA agnostica. I've done CBT in the past for my depression and anxiety and it worked for me. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!
You might try the website below - it includes a simple Search function for secular aa meeting. Remember it doesn't matter so much how you recover as long as you recover. While I admit that the rooms of AA saved my life, many of it's members feel it's the AA way or the highway. I learned at an early age there is more than one way to skin a cat.
Hi wish you freedom from your addiction however you get there.
You are a ticking time bomb. Do yourself a favor (and everyone else) and find employment NOT RELATED TO NURSING for now. Keep your license active, complete your continuing education as required and get yourself some legitimate treatment. DO NOT GO BACK TO NURSING until you have some serious recovery time behind you. And even then, seek out a position that accommodates YOU and YOUR RECOVERY.
ProperlySeasoned
235 Posts
There is an alternate system of community and web based support groups called SMART, which stands for Self Management and Recovery Training. It is non-religious, and based on cognitive behavioral theory. While I do not have any direct experience, I am glad there is another option for those who do not resonate with AA.