acravey

more power to you if you can stay clean without help. however, i have comfort in knowing that there are lots and lots of others just like me that i can reach out to whenever i have any of those old thoughts or old behaviors rearing their ugly heads. to me, true sobriety is a lot more than just staying what we call "dry" and just simply not drinking or using. its a way of living: every day life, on life's terms. i have been just dry before, quite a while before i really got sober, and it was misery. all that time i wasted wallowing in self pity blaming everything and everyone else for my problems. thinking that no one could comprehend or compare to what I was going through. i thought i was soooooo unique. i work with a good many ladies new to sobriety and it is quite funny to see some of them acting just like i used to.I am not saying that you are behaving this way, just wanted to share a bit with you how i was before i got involved with 12 step program, got some humility, got honest, and willing to do whatever i had to do to change the way i was living. the people in these programs will accept you with open arms and help you work the steps. it does take work though!! :eek:

am in recovery (almost 5 yrs) myself. going thru process of license reinstatement and gotta take refresher course. i have been in a few of those facilities as a patient myself. you can be such an influence in some of the peoples' lives that u come in contact with. also, please remember that alcoholics and addicts are real humans with real issues. its not a moral weakness that makes us drink and use but our bodies and minds react differently than non addidct/alcoholics. there are a lot of issues underneath the drink/drug and you may be one of the first people they interact with. a nurse practitioner in a detox facility played a large part in my choice to go to long term treatment and finally learn a new way of life. you are a special person to work with alcoholics/addicts and people with mental illness issues. best of luck and lots of prayers go with you.

hi ladies!!! i'm new to this but the post @ recovery got my attention. i haven't practiced since 2003 and am just starting the process to re-enter nursing. what a nightmare!! can't find any info on where i can take refresher course. getting paperwork ready to send to board now. i had a problem with alcohol and other substances myself. almost got 5 yrs sobriety now. i personally am very active in 12 step program and it not only helps me stay sober but gives me a way to live. no professionals groups in my rural area but the standard 12 step program has helped me sooooo much. life is much better now and i miss nursing. havent worked in nsg for 7 yrs so i got a lot of catching up to do. no disciplinary action involved but i did have some legal issues. was allowed to resign job and i simply let my license lapse. would appreciate any hints on how to find out more about refresher courses in GA. hard to find out any details and state board wont tell me anything. said they would send a packet after i sent in reinstatement app. so glad to find this site. P.s. congrats on the sober time you have.