[TracyR]

I don't remember where I found this, but I found it to be interesting...

PROFILE OF A CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT NURSE

1) Usually occurs in adult life.

2) Initial use does not take place for "kicks."

3) Likely to have history of chemically dependent family.

4) Chemical usage is solitary, not social.

5) Continues to feel responsible about work and tries to meet work responsibilities.

6) Street crime is not generally a means to obtain drugs.

7) History is usually negative for childhood or adolescent delinquency problems.

8) Has conventional life attitude: traditional background.

9) Is demanding of self: has a tendency towards denying or ignoring tension, depression,
boredom, unhappiness.

10) Expresses more guilt/shame about drug use than general population.

11) For those who have been disciplined for diversion, Demerol is drug of choice.

12) Male nurses, ER and critical care nurses are high risk categories.

13) Alcohol is drug of choice for large number of addicted professionals.

14) Usually graduate in upper of their class.

15) Have advanced degrees; ambitions/achievement oriented.

16) Have demanding and responsible jobs.

17) Are highly respected for excellent work.

[Anonymous]

Tracey,

This list is very interesting as I just recently found out that a friend of mine voluntarily gave up HIS license because of drug use. He was a well respected nurse hoping to go to Nurse Anesthesia School. It's so sad to realize he won't fulfill his dream soon.

I wish there was something I could do.

WR,,, three commas for Becca

[TracyR]

WR.. Thank you for posting. I hope that your friend finds the help that he needs. Those of us who live our lives one day at a time sometime deny the help that we so desparately need.

Friends are really one of the greatest resources for those in recovery. I have set up a page on the network to help provide some online resources... I encourage you and/or your friend to visit. You'll find the Nurses in Recovery and Christian Nurses links to be very helpful.

Remember:

"No pain is greater than the knowledge that no one cares or understands."