what in the world do i do?

Nurses General Nursing

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My 23 year old son is a nurse, I myself am in nursing school. This morning he told me what I had long suspected... he is addicted to opiates. He is scared, wants to stop, has tried on his own in the past but has been unsuccessful. Will he lose his license if he goes into rehab? He says he can't afford to quit work. I say he can't afford not to. He needs help. Where do we start? What will the ramifacations be?

He will not lose his license if he gets clean. I will send you a PM.

Hi. Your son will not lose his license if he goes into rehab. He should seek help. There are many awesome nurses who have been through what your son is going through, and have fully recovered. There are several nurses on these boards who have been through this, and I'm sure they will be happy to share their experiences with you and give advice. They will have more wisdom to offer you than I have, and I'm sure they will post a response as soon as they see this thread. You may want to change the title of your post to something more specific to draw the attention of these nurses.

you've said that he wants to stop

Sounds like he needs professional help

I see no reason for him to lose his license

Specializes in orthopaedics.

Please get your son help as soon as possible. There is a way he can get through this. God Bless you.

Here is a link to the Herrington Recovery Center. This is a recovery program designed to meet the needs of professionals (especially those in health care). I used to work on the same campus as this place and have heard very good things about it. Even if it turns out not to be the place for your son, I believe they can help you to pin down the questions you need to be asking.

http://www.rogershospital.org/hospital/Herrington/herringt.htm

Your son is to be commended for admitting that he has a problem. Kudos to you, too, for standing by him. Let us know what happens.

Specializes in NICU Someday, I Hope.

Wow, my heart goes out to you... and your son.

He's in for a tough battle to overcome his addiction but, with perseverance, support, love, and professional help, he CAN do it.

As I'm sure you know, he needs to deal with this NOW. The longer he waits, the harder it will be and the more likely it is that his addiction will have adverse consequences. If his illness leads to theft of narcotics, he's in big trouble. Likewise, if it affects his work and impacts his patients, he's in big trouble.

Coming forward and admitting his problem is the first step. He needs to follow through and do it right now.

It sounds like Tazzi and rn/writer can provide some specific information.

Blessings to you and to him.

Specializes in Neuro.

keeptryin,

Your screen name says it all~ keep tying to get your son the help that he is asking for and desperately needs. He has made the first step that is the hardest for any addict. He has admitted his problem. Now comes the hard part, but with love, help and perseverence, he can get clean, stay clean and continue with his career. You sound like you will be a great nurse and you are a great mother.

Good luck and many blessings to you both~

thinking_of_you_graphics_13.gif

I will pray for you and your son. I believe everything happens for a reason, even if we're hard pressed to understand what that purpose may be at the time. He has a long hard road ahead, but in the end he'll come out of this a stronger person and even better nurse.

Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

Im so sorry.God bless you.

if your son doesn't get help, he will eventually be caught and the consequences will be far greater.

it sounds like tazzi is going to help you.

wishing you and your son, a bright and successful future.

leslie

It's hard to beat addiction by yourself. Oftentimes, there are underlying problems that cause a person to drop out of life. Feeling inadequate, PTSD, low self esteem, childhood angst, etc.

It's good that he recognizes he has a problem and is ready for help.

My understanding is that as long as he wasn't taking meds from work that the BON cannot take his license. Many nurses go through addiction and they still have their licenses.

My prayers are with you and your son.

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