Hello all
I was (and still am) a recovering alcoholic. About 3 years ago, my daughter
who is 17 dropped out of school and began running away. I was under ALOT of stress at the time (which isn't an excuse) and went to my PCP. I was prescribed ambien, xanax, and vicodin (for back pain). Big mistake on my part. I should have seen it all coming. To make a long story short, I continued taking the ambien and vicodin but only filled 2 scripts of the xanax and stopped. Slowly over time, I began to abuse the vicodin and ambien. I added marijuana to the mix and then began drinking again.
I finally got tired of living the way I was and checked myself into treatment on 12/1 of this year. My psychiatrist placed me on subonex and I was discharged from treatment on 12/14 in the 12 step recovery program. I asked the therapist at the treatment center if I would be able to take subonex and work. He thought I could. After discharge, I came home and started doing some research because deep down I knew that I really didn't think I could work on it. I went to the TPAPN site and sure enough they will not take any nurse on subonex. I immediately called my employer's HR director and discussed the situation with her. I have short term/long term disability and have decided to devote the next year (which I'll be on the drug) to my recovery program.
I have never diverted medications from the hospital where I work nor have I ever been disciplined for anything but missed time from work. I never used any medications while at work. My role at the hospital was Outpatient Case Manager.
I'm wondering what ramifications I'll have from the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. I have never in my 28 years of nursing been disciplined by
the Board for anything. Nor have I had any legal troubles with the law.
I am willing to do whatever it takes to stay alcohol and drug free. The 12 step program has worked for me up until the point I relapsed.
Has anyone had any experience with this and if so I'd love to hear some feedback/advice.
Thanks