This isn't legal advice but I am putting this out here for anyone involved in a State Nursing Board complaint, investigation, and/or adjudication for drugs and/or alcohol or in a State Nursing Board Alternative to Discipline Program for Chemical Dependency. I am not a drug & alcohol counselor or therapist.
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A prospective client told me this and I had to pause. In general, there is nothing wrong with a little alcohol and yes as a highly educated and licensed professional I know alcohol is legal. But there are alot of exceptions to just a little alcohol. However if:
1. You are being monitored in a State Nursing Board alternative to discipline program for Chemical Dependency (you voluntarily entered into this program); or
2. You are being monitored by the State Nursing Board and agreed to or had action taken against your license after a hearing
A. You agreed to or you are required to:
1. Abstain from drinking alcohol;
2. Abstain from using illegal drugs; and
3. Abstain from ingesting any prescription medication unless you have a legally valid prescription
B. If the basis for action or your involvement in an alternative program involves drugs and/or alcohol. There is a daily call in process for alcohol/drug screening as a condition of licensure that you agreed to or that was imposed upon you after a hearing.
As unfair as it may seem or as difficult as it may be to understand you cannot drink alcohol and be monitored by the State Nursing Board whether its via the discipline route or alternative program route if the basis for monitoring and the underlying issue involves drugs and/or alcohol. If you drink alcohol, you will violate test positive at some point and this is a violation of the agreement, contract, or order you have. Your nursing license will be suspended pursuant to the agreement, contract, or order you have. Read it!!!!
My suggestions are as follows:
1. You need a lawyer. I told you this on the phone and I am telling you again. It doesn't have to be me but you need a lawyer ASAP to assist you with your license issues and "keep it real" with you;
2. You need to speak with a chemical dependency counselor or therapist ASAP to get a handle on how and why you are where you are now; and
3. You will be okay and don't despair. But you need to seek assistance and help now. Please reach out and get the help you need now to start the recovery process.
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