Recovery in Indiana/IPRP

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Hi, I just signed an RMA with IPRP (formerly ISNAP) in Indiana. I have 2 alcohol related criminal cases and texted positive for etg at my assessment. I feel completely overwhelmed by the requirements...3 self help meetings a week, 20 UDS a year, quarterly reports etc. My case manager gave me no guidance on how to do everything - she just gave me a ton of paperwork and said to ask if I have any questions.

Does anyone know how often etg is tested (like every time, or just sometimes)? And what happens if my first drug test is positive for ETG? Do they really expect someone to quit cold turkey at the drop of a hat? I'm so worried that I'll have my RMA extended or lose my job. Any advice or experience would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Telephonic and Addictions Nursing.
On 2/29/2020 at 8:11 PM, holyguacamole said:

Hi, I just signed an RMA with IPRP (formerly ISNAP) in Indiana. I have 2 alcohol related criminal cases and texted positive for etg at my assessment. I feel completely overwhelmed by the requirements...3 self help meetings a week, 20 UDS a year, quarterly reports etc. My case manager gave me no guidance on how to do everything - she just gave me a ton of paperwork and said to ask if I have any questions.

Does anyone know how often etg is tested (like every time, or just sometimes)? And what happens if my first drug test is positive for ETG? Do they really expect someone to quit cold turkey at the drop of a hat? I'm so worried that I'll have my RMA extended or lose my job. Any advice or experience would be appreciated.

So in terms of EtG testing. At this point the only way it would be positive if you are still drinking. For the most part, yes they expect you to stop drinking (look at your contract I promise you it says that you can't drink at all - not slowly stop, not 1 drink a day etc...).

If you have questions, *ask her*! As far as the paperwork, what does it say? Pretty sure it's going to tell you how often you get tested. EtG was always tested on mine and again, I don't know a single person who's contract said it was okay for them to drink. So expect to just not drink at all. You can do this!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.
1 minute ago, holyguacamole said:

Hi, I just signed an RMA with IPRP (formerly ISNAP) in Indiana. I have 2 alcohol related criminal cases and texted positive for etg at my assessment. I feel completely overwhelmed by the requirements...3 self help meetings a week, 20 UDS a year, quarterly reports etc. My case manager gave me no guidance on how to do everything - she just gave me a ton of paperwork and said to ask if I have any questions.

That can be very overwhelming. I would take some time to really read over everything and write down your questions as you go. I know for me, I have the Affinity website where I can do all my communication with my case manager. I would then draft an email and in bullet points, address your concerns.

You can keep logging in here for support. All of us are going through it and you can lean on us for help!

4 minutes ago, holyguacamole said:

Does anyone know how often etg is tested (like every time, or just sometimes)?

I think that will depend on your individual contract. I think mine is every time. Not sure, though.

6 minutes ago, holyguacamole said:

And what happens if my first drug test is positive for ETG? Do they really expect someone to quit cold turkey at the drop of a hat?

Yes, they 100 % expect you to quit cold turkey. It is almost definitely in your contract that you MUST abstain. If you cannot, please seek help from a medical professional or AA. If a doctor prescribes any meds, make sure they are APPROVED BEFORE you take them!

Good luck! You can do this!

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Do you know if they treat a dilute urine the same as a positive, like I will not be able to work and my RMA may be extended?

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Specializes in Telephonic and Addictions Nursing.
2 minutes ago, holyguacamole said:

Do you know if they treat a dilute urine the same as a positive, like I will not be able to work and my RMA may be extended?

Did you have a dilute urine?

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IDK yet. I just read that a dilute urine isn't good.

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Specializes in Telephonic and Addictions Nursing.
Just now, holyguacamole said:

IDK yet. I just read that a dilute urine isn't good.

This sounds like another question for your case manager.

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OK thanks for the input. She just hasn't been very transparent or available.

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Specializes in Telephonic and Addictions Nursing.

Just being honest with you, focus on not drinking. A dilute urine never came up from me in spam over 5 years of drug testing.

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Thanks for the great advice. Just wondering... Was alcohol your problem? Just saying that it's easier said than done to quit if they was the reason for your RMA.

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Just to be clear - yes, I'm an alcoholic. The platitudes of just "focusing on quitting" and "it's a choice" are not helpful. I came here to get advice on how to get sober and keep my license. I don't need to hear from some stranger that I just need to stop.

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Specializes in Telephonic and Addictions Nursing.

I will message you.

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