An overlooked problem in our country is individuals in the medical profession that have become addicted to drugs — most notably the nursing profession. There are more than 3 million nurses that are staffing our hospitals throughout the country. It is estimated that somewhere between eight and ten percent of nurses are impacted by the disease of addiction. That equates to 300,000 nurses nationwide. Many of them never get help. An addicted nurse doesn’t only put their own life in jeopardy, they put the patients they are caring for…some during life and death situations.
Why don’t they just get help? They have access to healthcare so it should be easy, right?
Some of the issues that a nurse runs into are licensing issues, legal issues, and most important pride issues. These nurses that have become addicted have breached ethics in their profession and are now too scared, embarrassed, and/or prideful to ask for help. The fear that asking for help could put their hard earned nursing license in jeopardy can be overwhelming. They also are worried that someone is going to have them arrested for their actions. Many of these nurses have stolen medications from their patients to maintain their addictions. This is a felony in any state in the nation.
Clearbrook has treated people in the medical profession for decades. Everyone has their own specific needs and separate issues when they come into treatment. We have navigated all of them over the last 40 years. The nursing profession is no different. We will work with the proper agencies and boards to help you. Although everyone does have their own set of circumstances when they come here, the disease of addiction is the same for us all. Addiction doesn’t care if you are a nurse, a CEO, or you are homeless…it is an equal opportunity killer.
There is no need to live in fear. Clearbrook can help!
