past drug treatment.....

[its_meee]

I am currently a pre-nursing student. About 3 years ago I was treated for opiate addiction at a local methadone treatment center. I completed my treatment, and have been free of all opiates, methadone included, for 1 year. I have never been in trouble with the law, I have no convictions of any type. When I apply for the nursing program I will be a little over 2 years clean, and when I graduate I will have a little over 5 years clean. I asked a nurse that knew about my history and at first she said to be upfront and honest about my past, then she said to keep quite about it because nobody would ever know......I don't know what to do. Can I be punished for something that was over 5 years ago once I graduate? I've read that they ask about your past 5 year history...if this is asked prior to being accepted into the program, then it won't be 5 years. However, if I'm asked this in my senior year, then yes it will be longer than 5 years. Any advice??

[smilesalot55]

Hello,

I was 3 years clean from a methadone program when I began nursing school and was 7 years clean when done with my BSN. Just wanted to say that you do not have to say anything. I would advise leaving it alone. Just move on with your new career but please do not make the same mistake that I did and let it creep back into your life 2.5 years after working as an RN. I told people I worked with and that has come back to haunt me as I was found diverting narcotics and am now in the process of finding out whether or not my license will be suspended or if I will have disciplinary action against it... I wish I was back where you are and could do it all over again, but it is what it is and I must deal with it now. Just please heed my advice and get help or report yourself to your hospital's drug treatment program before it gets out of hand again. It will be so much better than having it come out after the fact. Good luck!

[TXRN2]

however, you do have to answer their questions honestly. if you lie, & that gets discovered, the repurcussions will be worse than if you had been up front to begin with. we cannot hide from our past. at least, this is my understanding. congratulations on your sobriety!!

[she71]

One year clean? That's really awesome. I bet you worked really hard for it and honesty was probably a great part of your success. You probably feel like honesty could incriminate you right. My heart goes out to you about this choice and wish I could help. I remember a verse from the bible that always seemed to butt into my life in good ways and bad too. Was something like... what is done in darkness; is always brought to light. I would hate for this to haunt you 10 years from now when your licensed, experienced and have 10+ years of sobriety. That would really be aweful fo you. Good Luck and Good Health :)