pair_of_feet

:loveya:Excellent input here! I have been in recovery now for 10 years and like many of you was ashamed,embarassed and absolutely mortified at the thought of telling anyone about my 'disease'.I recently had my license reinstated and now am looking for a job while also being in a monitoring program.I wake up everyday and tell myself today I will not use drugs.I have had to learn appropriate coping skills and not to beat myself up everyday over it.My use occurred while going thru a very bad separation/divorce. My DOC were opiates. I had to go to NA/AA when I was in IOP. I also got involved with The SMART concept which helped me understand my disease on a more cerebral level. To anyone out there remember there are those of us that do lead productive drug free lives.I finally got over the shame when I had coworkers come to me and and ask me to listen to them because they may have a problem.I am 47 and I saw so many new nurses coming to work hungover and just because alcohol is legal doesn't mean it's not a drug! There is light at the end of the tunnel

It's been 6 years for me. Sometimes I think our peers judge us because maybe they see a little of themselves in us. I don't know how you can be a nurse or any other health care professional and not at some point in your career feel like what's the use.There were times when the only difference between me and the people judging me,was the fact that they just hadn't been caught yet. Some food for thought.

No I was convicted on first offender status and since it was related to my substance abuse it was reduced to a misdemeanor.I guess different states and hospitals have different rules. I haven't had a problem though. Most places now are only interested in the last 7-10 yrs as far as criminal history, mine was 11 yrs ago.

One thing that all of us as addicts have a hard time doing is ------ asking for help. Don't be so hard on yourself it gets better I promise:up:

Just to let you know I have been down your road. An attorney is not going to help you deal with board issues.The BON has no legal recourse against you only administrative penalties ie: your license. Don't worry about an attorney until you have to. work on YOUR RECOVERY!

sl33y- The DEA generally doesn't prosecute you.it's the state the offense happened in.I am hoping you were kidding about the extradition thing.Don't run and hide. You also have to remember that the BON and your criminal offense have nothing to do with one another. Getting into a program will not make them not prosecute you if they want to. I don't want to scare you anymore than you are,but you need to know this.these two entities have nothing to do with one another.

I was arrested 1 year after I diverted. It sucked. I had no idea my case had been referred to the prosecuting attorney.I got first offender status with a suspended sentence and probation with a fine. Dealing with the BON is bad enough ,but having legal issues only compounds the situation.

Don't give them anymore information than you have to.Many times our guilt and shame override our mouths!