confidentiality in treatment

[cricket9698]

I just found this forum and am delighted. Here is my story. A little over three years ago I was having major maritial problems. I was drinking alot at home, but it did not affect my job or my performace at my job. After my now ex filed for divorce he made a video tape of me passed out at home and threatened to use it against me in a custody battle. I went to treatment voluntarily and did not speak to my boss or our employee assistance plan. I sought treatment at the hospital where I was employed due to insurance reasons and entered into an IOP.

During the admitting process to the program they had me sign all sorts of "consents" for treatment etc. I signed all these papers without questions because these guys were supposed to be helping me right? NOT! They forced me into our states "nursing assistance program" and told me if I didn't enter the program I would not be allowed to return to work. Well, I'm going through an ugly divorce and fighting for custody so I had to work. The agreement forced me to let just about everyone around me know I was in recovery. During my first two years of sobriety I was accused of having alcohol on my breath. I was taken to an occupation health center where I passed a breathalizer and passed the drug screen. No apologies for that mistake. I also had a few "positive" screens that were later deemed negative after further GCMS testing and Etg testing at my expense. My contract comes to an end very soon, but I am out several thousand dollars in the process.

Prior to treatment I had never had any issues at work related to drinking. I have never had a DUI or any arrest for that mattter. I have never diverted drugs or been accused of diverting drugs. My worst offenses have been a speeding ticket (or two and a parking ticket (or two.)

Now that I am almost out of these harrowing process I would like to discourage anyone from getting into one of these programs if you do not absolutely have to do it to keep your license. I also wish I could sue the blankety blank treatment staff for forcing me into this stuff to begin with. Anybody else out there experience anything similar? Anyone have any luck with a lawsuit for breach of confidentiality. I signed the consents, but it was under extreme duress.

[cricket9698]

****o! Is anybody out there. I know I may not be in the most grateful of moods, but I don't stuff my feelings today. Anybody else in this position? I'm grateful for my recovery, but I resent like **** a business or a board telling me what is acceptable for me. I know I'm not "different" but I am an individual.
Cricket in the Midwest

[jrt1955]

****o
My name is Joyce Tucker in college working on my BA in Social Work. In my opinion all to often there is more victims than not. I have read your story. And empathize with you.
I have an assignment to find a healthcare professional that has gone thru treatment. There experience and what how and what they would change about the program. From start to finish.
I also asking permission to email you and interview .We have a confidentiality form you can sign to assure you that this is strictly for students to learn from and to realize that no one person is a immune to this. I am sorry that it all turned out so badly and it is so right now. I would love to talk with you. Please consider
Thank you
Joyce Tucker

[cricket9698]

You can send me a message and we could correspond that way. I'd be willing to talk to you. I have great respect for social workers. I couldn't do my job without your help, advise and assistance. (especially in the days of er nursing!)

[lisarn19]

Dear Cricket,
I am new to this forum and I have to say that your post absolutely scares me to death. I have been a nurse for 13 years. In 2001, I had a neck injury with a bulging disc C5/C6. I initially tried steroids, physical therapy, muscle relaxors and Vicodin. Now I never took meds at work and I never divirted drugs. After a year the neurosurgeon decided to do surgery with a fusion. I was on pain meds post op. I was unable to return to work for 9 months. After trying to back to L&D, my neurologist told me I could no longer do the heavy work of a floor nurse. I was off for four months (still on pain meds) and landed a job in case management in 2002. I also started seeing a pain specialist that year because my GP and neuro would not give me more painkillers. My pain specialist was understanding and accomodating. Sad to say a little too accomodating. Because of my heart problems I have been unemployed since Feb 2005. Now it is 2006 and I am heaviliy addicted to percocet (I moved up). He was prescribing 10mg po q4-6h, my insurance wouldn't cover the 10's so he changed them to 5mg (10/day) That's 300 percocet a month!!! ANd even that is not enough now. I have tried to taper, and tried cold turkey. I think I need in-patient. Please can anyone advise me?? Will I lose my license if I "Go Public?" I have never diverted, stolen, or taken a prescription pad. I would rather die than live like this anymore. I have been off work for a year due to heart problems and this is when the drug problem got out of control. Please advise and help!!

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Originally Posted by cricket9698

I just found this forum and am delighted. Here is my story. A little over three years ago I was having major maritial problems. I was drinking alot at home, but it did not affect my job or my performace at my job. After my now ex filed for divorce he made a video tape of me passed out at home and threatened to use it against me in a custody battle. I went to treatment voluntarily and did not speak to my boss or our employee assistance plan. I sought treatment at the hospital where I was employed due to insurance reasons and entered into an IOP.

During the admitting process to the program they had me sign all sorts of "consents" for treatment etc. I signed all these papers without questions because these guys were supposed to be helping me right? NOT! They forced me into our states "nursing assistance program" and told me if I didn't enter the program I would not be allowed to return to work. Well, I'm going through an ugly divorce and fighting for custody so I had to work. The agreement forced me to let just about everyone around me know I was in recovery. During my first two years of sobriety I was accused of having alcohol on my breath. I was taken to an occupation health center where I passed a breathalizer and passed the drug screen. No apologies for that mistake. I also had a few "positive" screens that were later deemed negative after further GCMS testing and Etg testing at my expense. My contract comes to an end very soon, but I am out several thousand dollars in the process.

Prior to treatment I had never had any issues at work related to drinking. I have never had a DUI or any arrest for that mattter. I have never diverted drugs or been accused of diverting drugs. My worst offenses have been a speeding ticket (or two and a parking ticket (or two.)

Now that I am almost out of these harrowing process I would like to discourage anyone from getting into one of these programs if you do not absolutely have to do it to keep your license. I also wish I could sue the blankety blank treatment staff for forcing me into this stuff to begin with. Anybody else out there experience anything similar? Anyone have any luck with a lawsuit for breach of confidentiality. I signed the consents, but it was under extreme duress.