Kentucky Board KARE

I’m in the process of trying to get into the kare program and like everyone else said the 5 years seems overwhelming. To be honest I can’t imagine going 5 years without a drink especially since alcohol has never been a problem for me. For those who have done it or are in it currently, how often are you drug tested?

I have been in KARE for > 4 1/2 years. In fact, I have 88 days left!

As far as frequency- it varies. The first year was around 2X/month. After the 1st year, it was 2X/month most months but sometimes once per month.

All that said... it’s completely random. I’ve had occasional months with testing 3X. I’ve had 40 days between tests- and I’ve also had 5 days between tests. You must stay vigilant AT ALL TIMES, watching what you eat or drink (nothing w/poppy seeds, nothing with alcohol, including bug spray, hairspray, etc). And - If you attempt to “cheat”, you WILL be caught.

It’s been stressful at times BUT it has been worth it for me- - I’ve been able to work throughout my entire contract. I needed this program. My case manager has been wonderful, respectful, nonjudgmental. She quickly responds to my questions.

KARE can be challenging BUT is IS doable! It just depends on what the person will personally invest. For me... 100% invested & graduating soon!

It is totally random! I have had 3 tests in 9 days and I have gone almost 1 month in between. I am coming up on my first year completed... and yes it sucks. I hope the feeling of huge inconvenience goes away at some point. I was BEYOND nervous and anxious before I started... BUT it does slowly just become part of your life. Like you alcohol wasn’t part of my issue. I might have had a drink once every 6 months. So with that being said.. DONT do it. Especially with it not being your issue it isn’t worth it. They will catch you.

Hello! NP in KY here. I would LOVE to find a peer support group (nurses, healthcare professionals) in the Louisville area. I was referred me to a counselor (i already have one) who wanted to charge me $$ to give me the info to the one he runs... Would love support dealing with the KBN. I admitted my addiction to pain medication to the board and obtained an attorney (which has found to be pretty much a waste of money!). Would love to connect with some others like me! Feeling pretty alone...

Hey there, I totally understand the Alone feeling. I completely felt the same way and still do at times. I also came out with my addiction to prescription pain meds. I really don’t feel it’s fair to be in the KARE program given my issue had nothing to do with work and I am the one that came out with it bc I took time off from work to go to rehab. I live in a small town so there’s not many people to talk to about this. The person that has helped me the most is my case manager. We can do this. We WILL get through this.

I’m not even sure if I will be given the KARE option, I’m still in limbo with how the board wants to “settle” my case (mean: punish). I would love a support network of peers, and even though I’m in a large city there is nothing I’ve found searching online (also from what I’m told the Board doesn’t know of any either!). Glad I found this group! Hopefully we can direct message each other soon (I just found this board!).

So I.have a question for those already in the KARE program or anyone else doing testing for the Kentucky BON through Affinity. Are the urine tests were ordered as observed. When I went in for my first orderedtest, they had to check to see how it was ordered. Thankfully it was not ordered observed, as my closest testing site charges an extra 15 dollars to observe and the.cost of these screens is already a huge issue for me. Not to mention I am not sure I would give an observed screen. I struggle mightily to get my bladder to cooperate for regular testing. As soon as I get anxious, it is like a mental block. At least want to be prepared if they may possibly order it that way, as being surprised would certainly make my an,with worse. Thanks so much to anyone.who.replies. This is all.so.stressful nice to find a place to discuss the process with otjers.

1 hour ago, ThatOneNurse said:

So I.have a question for those already in the KARE program or anyone else doing testing for the Kentucky BON through Affinity. Are the urine tests were ordered as observed. When I went in for my first orderedtest, they had to check to see how it was ordered. Thankfully it was not ordered observed, as my closest testing site charges an extra 15 dollars to observe and the.cost of these screens is already a huge issue for me. Not to mention I am not sure I would give an observed screen. I struggle mightily to get my bladder to cooperate for regular testing. As soon as I get anxious, it is like a mental block. At least want to be prepared if they may possibly order it that way, as being surprised would certainly make my an,with worse. Thanks so much to anyone.who.replies. This is all.so.stressful nice to find a place to discuss the process with otjers.

It will only be observed if they suspect tampering was involved in the first one. So if you test and your urine is too cold, for example, they will document that there is suspected tampering and basically fail you right there on the the spot. Of course our case managers have access to our results so when they see it they will contact you and make you explain in writing what happened. Then they will reorder the test ASAP and make it an observed one. But only for the one time, all other tests will go back to normal.

Just checked my countdown app....I have 50 days left in KARE, y’all!!!

Below is a breakdown of my KARE “math”.

I have “checked in” to Affinity 1773 times; I’ve missed 3 “check ins” spread throughout almost 5 years (all on Saturdays- luckily, I wasn’t selected to test those days); and, hopefully, I should just have 50 Affinity “check ins” remaining! I just submitted August’s KARE monthly self-report,....so just ONE more remaining to be faxed!

In almost 5 years, I’ve spent $6354 on UDS & collection fees (thus far)— And spent the last 5 years depositing all our family’s tax return refunds into my Affinity account.

Most importantly, I’ve been sober from narcotics for 1857 days.

I’m pumped, y’all! I think about the feelings of being overwhelmed & hopeless 5 years ago. But taking it just one day at a time & having a positive attitude (I needed KARE), has brought me to a point where I can SEE the end!

Not celebrating JUST yet, though. I always have the fear of a incidental etg from something that I wasn’t aware contained alcohol. Alcohol wasn’t my issue, but I always try to be vigilant about not exposing myself to some obscure source. In 50 days, I’ll be able to BREATHE again & not have to scour a menu ensuring no alcohol! I can apply hairspray, bug spray, use Pam spray when cooking, etc. I can apply hand sanitizer at work without having to ensure my hands are below my waist. Shew...the little things people take for granted!

I will revel in the freedom of a sober lifestyle!

KARE has definitely been “doable”, one day at a time. I was also blessed with a supportive KARE Case Manager. For those new to the KARE program, you CAN do this!