Struggling to keep up with costs

Why so many screenings?

Im not entirely sure. The way my contract is written I had minimum of 1/month for the first year and then 1/quarter after that. I haven't had a single positive in the 2 years Ive been in the program. When I first started I was averaging 2-4 month. lately its been 1-2 month. I haven't gone a month without a screen, ever.

by NurseJesseeekuh, BSN

Why so many screenings?

This may vary some depending on why you are In the program, but I think the big variation is from state to state or even between different programs within states. If the PP thinks that's a lot, for the first two years twice Ely screens are mandatory for basically everyone, then 2 years of weekly, then one of every other week. However, in this same state, those who choose to do a formal disciplinary consent order with the BON (sadly they often have little choice due to the high cost if confidential programs) they screen much less, like once or twice a month maybe at the beginning? But, all of their screens are observed, ours are generally 25p event observed unless there is a very strong reason to do more.

To the OP: I was totally unemployed for nearly a year, doing screens and treatment (inpatient, IOP, outpatient with multiple providers and on multiple meds) the while time. I was very fortunate to still have insurance, but the cost of the treatment alone was crazy, and the program and testing fees seemed totally UN-do-able. Well, I did do it. I ended up getting a crappy job that led to a better job, was able to build up a401k and get a good rate on 401k loan to cover much of the cost so I could end my contact on time. For me it was worth it because I can rebuild my credit and once you successfully complete monitoring in ny state your license is pristine, no one will ever know unless you disclose.

Mine are not observed, although I had someone argue with me once that I was wrong, so that one was since it wasn't worth fighting to me. That said, the screenings themselves I have no issue with its just the sheer cost of them. 2 weeks in a row ive had my monitoring company withdraw $60+ from my bank account leaving me short on being able to pay for seriously needed bills. ive been struggling for a while now (financially not to stay sober) and it is just getting worse. a budget does me no good because I literally have more bills then I do income. the monitoring company really doesn't give a **** if my husband is sick or we cant pay our rent. I am just at a loss. I feel like something has got to give but there is literally nothing to cut back on. The only non necessity we have is internet and I need that for school.

Jdub6, Unfortunately it will stay on my license. The $$ aspect has always been...an annoyance but its increasingly becoming more then that. I am so discouraged and my husband who has been incredibly supportive, I know is reaching the end of his rope. I have 2 kids who are toddlers. The only way I can see to even try and make things work is getting a 2nd..and maybe a 3rd job. Im already working 40-45 hours a week and weekends are all I have with my kids...im not sure I want to give that up. I know I put myself in this position but if it wasn't 5 years ago. I just don't want my family (or myself for that matter) to suffer like this any more.