RN husband addicted to opiates

[joker2]

Although I am not the RN in the family, my husband is, I am very concerned about him and thought maybe one of you can give me some advice. He just graduated a year and a half ago and over this time period, has developed a problem with opiates. He started out with a valid prescription for vicodin and muscle relaxersand I am now finding hypodermic needles hidden in various parts of the house. His behavior is frustrating and we have two children. I believe this stuff is coming from the hospital and he has been suspended twice for mishandling patient medications. Actually, I know that is where it is coming from, because of the codes on the things I have found. He denies he has a problem and refuses to get help. His drug tests come back as positive for opiates, but he has that prescripton to fall back on. Do I report an anonymous problem to HR or let the chips fall where they may? And how can he possibly be getting away with it? I am very worried about him, as is our children and his parents. We don't want him to go to far someday. Please advise, as you are the ones who would know how to best handle this situation. Thank you.

[jenrn6282]

does he go to work high? because in this case it is a safety issue to the patients if he cares? i worked with an older women who after years of nursing became addicted to narcotics, she came to work and pretty much would abandon her patients, yeah she was there but mentally not there....she was unable to provide for her patients, and one ended up dying from a med error she made, i know she was summoned to court multiple times, she no longer works with us, for "medical reasons" but i am not really sure whatever happened to her and the law case.

but either way drug abuse and alcholism are diseases, he should know that and get the help and once clean come back to the nursing career, it isnt safe for him or his patients, and he may think he is getting away with it, but his co workers will find out sooner or later if they already dont know...us nurses are pretty good at detecting slight changes in people's behaviors relaed to addiction.

[leosasha]

I have a relative who's spouse was in the same position. She reported her spouse to the institution. Don'nt believe it was anonymous or I would'nt know the story. He was forced to get help and went on to practice for years. It should be noted when talking about addictions that they are a progressive disease. The situation will worsen if not adressed and the outcome is very likely to be very poor. Perhaps the doctor prescribing the narcotics can be of assistance.

[Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN]

If he had positive drug tests given as a result of inaccurate med counts at work, how is he still working? I don't see reporting him to HR as any way to stop the root of the problem, he'll be fired and lose his license. If he comes forward, he will be able to seek treatment and in many states, the BON will reinstate voluntarily suspended licenses when the nurse has completed treatment.

I think that if he doesn't admit he has a problem, then he's going to resist help. But if he voluntarily goes into treatment, he has a chance of keeping his license. But diversion - even if he isn't using while he's on the job - is illegal and some facilities will press charges for the theft.

Your local Narcotics Anonymous should have resources for you, as the family member of someone who is addicted, to help him towards recovery and to give you the support you need during what must be a difficult time.

Blee

[egarwo]

if my husband is addicted i will try to help himm if i try for many years and it does not work i wll try out side help but before you help someone that person should be willing to accept the help and asses that person readiness if that person is not it willnot work will lead to divorce will continue later

[StNeotser, ASN, RN]

I think Narcotics anonymous is your best bet. Please give them a call. Best of luck with this situation.

[Jolie, BSN]

Please contact an attorney experienced in licensing issues and ask for advice on how to go about getting help for your husband.

Best to you.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

My first thought is to go to find a meeting for families of narc addicts. Imaybe it is Alanon?

[rn-jane]

What a difficult situation. I agree with contacting narcotics anoymonous and I really wish you good luck. Do what is best for you and the kids, he needs help.

[futurecnm]

I know our state has a reporting system for health care professionals who need help with this type of issue. I would seach the state board of nursing website and see if there is something like that. I think you can report it anonymously. They will then take action. Their goal isn't to get the RN fired, because they want to help the RN and help them retain their license. They have a program where they get the RN help and there are then random tests to make sure they are not going back on their contract to stay clean.

[ChocoholicRN]

I agree with all of the above posts that your husband needs to get help, and very soon. If he's already hiding needles around the house, denying these things and becoming aggressive in his behavior than this has already gone too far. The difficulty with narcotics anonymous is that the first step is admitting you have a problem. I have a sibling who went to NA and is now in a in-patient rehab facility. When it comes to NA or AA, you the abuser have to come forward and admit your difficulties, someone cannot call for you and have them come and get you. What I would highly suggest though is to contact your local NA and find out how you can accomodate him during this difficult time. He may be hesitant to go, but if you can go with him to the first meeting that may help so he knows he has your full support. The NA groups also have "family day" where you can meet with a psychologist or group leader privately with your loved one to talk things over. Best of luck to you and your family, I hope he makes it through this difficult time.

[oramar]

Oh you poor thing, it is so difficult dealing with this. It appears you are refusing to enable him in his behaviors. He maybe in denial but you certainly are not. You are getting some good advice here, good luck and God bless.