Meetings without being mandated

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I wish to attend AA meetings in my community but am afraid to be reported to the BON. I have yet to be impaired on the job, and my problem is alcohol.

I've been avoiding meetings, but I am thinking this is just my disease that has me so worried about losing my license at the expense of not recovering.

i feel a lot of shame about my drinking. I'm interested in attending meetings but afraid of being "recognized" and reported, even though as I've read the language of the Ohio BON- I'm not sure that I've broken any rules.

is there anyway this can come back to bite me?

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AA meetings are Anonymous. If you are "seen" and reported, there is no way for them to verify your attendance. Also, simply attending an AA meeting doesn't necessarily mean the person has an active or even prior drinking problem.

Don't make fear of being caught keep you from seeking help.

cc

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Take it from me much easier to go in than be reported to BON like I was. Go to the meetings find a sponsor work the steps. Good luck

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Also, if for some reason the BON does find out through other means, you will have a history of attending AA meetings on your side. If really worried about that, keep a record of meetings you have attended.

cc

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I have met 6 nurses at AA meetings who have never been reported to the board. I am actively involved with the board and I would never report them, they are keeping themselves sane and in recovery. You only share your first name, so no one could really prove it anyways.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

go, experience recovery, and best wishes :)

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.
I wish to attend AA meetings in my community but am afraid to be reported to the BON. I have yet to be impaired on the job, and my problem is alcohol.

I've been avoiding meetings, but I am thinking this is just my disease that has me so worried about losing my license at the expense of not recovering.

i feel a lot of shame about my drinking. I'm interested in attending meetings but afraid of being "recognized" and reported, even though as I've read the language of the Ohio BON- I'm not sure that I've broken any rules.

is there anyway this can come back to bite me?

Hi loo! Nice to meet you! Are u asking about if u go to a meeting in your area and someone recognizing u - and reporting u to BON for having an alc / drug problem?

When I entered our state's (Louisiana) RNP, I was SO embarrassed! I went to a state run inpt treatment center. There I knew no one. I felt safe! NO one had any idea who I was - I aired all my dirty laundry and worked my program.

When I got home, going to my "home" group I was ready to puke! When I got in there, I was so happy to see some RNs and MDs that I had worked with for years. I was welcomed with open arms.

AA and NA operates on autonomy (sp) I would hope the people that may meet u would work on the "honesty system" ...

Good luck to u!

Anne, RNC

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