Recommended Reading?

[MizChelleRN]

Hello! I've been lurking AllNurses for a LONG time now but haven't felt the need to post yet. I created this account mostly to participate in this forum specifically.

I've been trying to work up the nerve to 'tell my story'....am still dealing with the embarrassment and the shame.

I've been reading here for a week now, went back several pages, in tears, through anxiety, and even, dare I say, hope and optimism.

So I can't remember where, buried deep in some of the longer threads, some valuable reading was recommended. I would especially benefit from books about nurses specifically and addiction.

Thanks in advance! I look forward to sharing and helping support my fellow nurses in recovery. xo

[Magsulfate, BSN, RN]

This forum is a great place to start. There are some very good conversations here, some of them go back a year or two. The first place I would recommend to start is with jackstem. Look up this user and read through his history of posts.

Here is a link to some of jack's posting history.

I really can't put into words how he has helped me. :)

[jackstem]

Thanks Mag....I've received excellent support from you and others here as well.

Patricia Holleran has written books, telling her story..."Walk Like a Duck" and the update to that book...the title is escaping me now. I was in contact with her after she and I were interviewed for the article in this months "RN Magazine". I thought maybe the second book was the same as the first but she said it brings the reader up to date.

The best book I've read to date is called "Staying Sober". It's written by Terence Gorski. He explains the disease very well. There is a workbook that accompanies it which is excellent for those who want to work on developing a relapse prevention plan.

There are also numerous resources online. I'm giving a workshop with a nurse attorney this evening so I'll post more this when I get back.

Remember this.....We are NOT bad people trying to become good. We have a disease and we're trying to get well (despite the obstacles placed in our way...many times by our own colleagues!).

Jack

[southernbeegirl, BSN, RN]

I am reading a book right now that i totally recommend. It's called Beautiful Boy. It's a father's journey of his son's addiciton. his son actually wrote a book too called "Tweaked". He recently relapsed again too.

i havent read the son's book the the fathers book is very eye opening of how it affected other people.

stop being afraid to tell your story! thats how we begin to give back..we share our strength, hope and love! your story is full of it whether you realize it or not!

[2BSure]

I don't know if you are in AA or not but Living Sober was invaluable to me when I was new. Everything in the Bog Book seemed quite lofty but Living Sober was practical and I could wrap my brain around it when my head was going bonkers.

I didn't share in meetings or anywhere remotely public for at least 6 months -- I just couldn't. Although, I had a sponsor and shared with her. That worked for me.