For the first 15 years of my nursing career, I would come into contact with nurses who I thought might have a narcotic addiction.  I wasn't the type to "talk" about them, but I also wasn't the type to reach out to them either.  It is just "taboo" for a nurse to have a narcotic addiction.

2 years ago, after a series of sad, unfortunate events, I became one of those nurses.  And, let me tell you, they need you to reach out to them.  It doesn't take very long before those drugs have their claws in you so far that you feel like you can not live without them.  And, I knew it was wrong, but every time I would try to stop, the physical and mental withdrawal was awful, so I would start back up.  And, being a nurse, I didn't want ANYONE to know.  I was ashamed of myself.  It was a dark time in my life.  I have developed a website to provide help and hope for anyone who are or have suffered from addiction.  It is www.nursenrecovery.com      To hear the rest of my story, go to the website.

I would like to hear from anyone else out there who have or have known a co-worker who have suffered from addiction.  What were your thoughts and reactions to it.  Have you or are you currently getting help.  There are addiction and recovery stories out there that are so inspiring.  I hope to hear yours.