Just got out of rehab...help!

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Hello all,

I just got out of rehab after voluntarily admitting myself for alcohol abuse due to PTSD. I was fully functional at work prior to the admission. I have never had an issue with narcotics or wasting. No disciplinary actions taken against me and I can say that my employer had no idea there was a problem. I was released from rehab with zero restrictions. My question is, will my work require me to go into a state run program with random drug tests and the sort? I work in the PACU and if I have to go into a program I cannot handle narcotics for at least 6 months which is my entire job. I love my job and I am glad I got help to learn new coping mechanisms, I'm just concerned for being punished for something my job never even knew about in the first place until I decided to get myself help. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in general.

I would not say anything about your rehab if they don't know and nobody reported anything.  Less is better... Do they know why you were out of work?

 

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

I second the above. If no one knows, all the better. Where you might run into issues is when you renew your license, if you are asked if you've been treated for alcohol or drug dependency since your last renewal. If your state doesn't include that question, good. It's best to keep the issue between you and your doctor if you possibly can. Lastly, if your state includes as part of the Nurse Practice Act that you have to report any issues with alcohol or drugs, that is another potential issue. Find a lawyer who specializes in Nurse licensure laws, has represented nurses before the Board of Nursing in your state, and is willing to give you the specific answers you need for your practice. Until then, if no one from work knows, keep your silence.  

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.

First, congratulations on your sobriety and your desire to live without alcohol!  Take care of yourself first and foremost.

Second, CLAM UP!  DO NOT TELL ANYONE (nurse friends/healthcare) about your stint in rehab.  No matter how close you think you are with a person, trust me, they can turn on you in a heartbeat!  

Stay quiet and say NOTHING!

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On 9/29/2020 at 9:54 AM, rn1965 said:

First, congratulations on your sobriety and your desire to live without alcohol!  Take care of yourself first and foremost.

Second, CLAM UP!  DO NOT TELL ANYONE (nurse friends/healthcare) about your stint in rehab.  No matter how close you think you are with a person, trust me, they can turn on you in a heartbeat!  

Stay quiet and say NOTHING!

Wholeheartedly second this. TRUST NO ONE, at least with this. 

I think it's great that you sought sobriety and help with it. Feel free to PM me anytime if you want to talk. 

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 10/3/2020 at 4:01 PM, K. Everly said:

Wholeheartedly second this. TRUST NO ONE, at least with this. 

I think it's great that you sought sobriety and help with it. Feel free to PM me anytime if you want to talk. 

You can also PM me - On 10/22/20 I will have 20 years of sobriety from ETOH.

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