AIBU to ask about confidentiality

[SoyaCoconutOrAlmond]

DH is an addict. Has been for a while. He managed to stop through sheer willpower and started again.

Clearly he needs professional help. Problem is he works for the NHS and people have been suspended/struck off for being addicted .

Is there any way he can obtain professional support without it compromising his career?

I think the suggestion of taking leave and going somewhere abroad might be the best option all round. That way he's getting help, he isnt putting anyone at risk as he is on leave & his job shouldn't find out.

But is he mistrustful for very good reasons or because it's a way to not get clean??

Going abroad is probably not a bad idea, it's whether he'd be up for that.

I think it's part paranoia but also juts because you're paranoid etc so that comes into it.

These guys may be worth giving a call especially if you're near London, at the very least for advice.
php.nhs.uk/what-is-the-practitioner-health-programme/the-php1-team/

They're a service for health care practitioners. They deal with quite a bit of addiction I think.

Thanks. We're not in London but might be worth trying :)

There's a number and an email for confidential advice.

OP you need him to seek help through proper channels. His employers need to know this as it affects his ability to do his job. However in control he feels his judgement is impaired. He will be lying to you about the scale of his addiction.

Do you have children? If so, hand on heart would you let him drive your children up a motorway whilst using? I'm guessing you wouldn't which surely must show that he shouldn't be in contact with patients.

You sound like I was for ages - playing things down, minimising the situation.

Am truly shocked at all the people advocating lying

laguna the NHS are supportive of its staff? Do you live in a parallel universe? The NHS is an utterly crap employer.

Could he be signed off with stress, then use a private agency to deal with his addiction.

A few issues come to mind, not knowing his capacity in the NHS.

Access to the drugs trolley, oh Mrs Smith had her dose of oramorph, tick on computer, but she actually didn't DH had her dose. Mrs Smith queries 2 hours later, can I have anything stronger, the pain has got quite severe. You had a dose of oramorph 2 hours ago, I'm afraid that's one of the strongest meds we can give unless you're having say a heart attack. I remember having codeine, but no oramorph. Well it states you had 5ml of oramorph here, so nothing for another 2 hours.

Then there's access to drugs or the drugs trolley.

Impaired fitness due to intoxication / withdrawal.

I think it's very risky working in either state.

Most towns / cities have services for alcoholics / substance abusers.

I guess the critical thing is, is your husband using due to pain, or due to addiction. There's dependency that occurs when you've been on a drug a long time. This isn't the same as addiction, where you are taking something for a high or other reward.

You need to discuss this seriously with him, as if it impairs his fitness to practise, he shouldn't be working. I've had nurses and paramedics deliver IV morphine. So if you're on the cusp of withdrawal, you're in a pretty negative state where desperation starts kicking in.

You want to believe the person wouldn't jeopardise their position, but with addiction it's very tricky.

I've been in situations where I was unable to ingest medications due to vomiting. Withdrawal is a total beast. You quite simply want to die or for it to stop.

I think he needs to think long and hard about whether working around medication is going to work for him,
He could get the best help in the world and beat his addiction but having access to it is going to be bloody hard.
It's akin to an alcoholic working in a bar. I would be amazed if he had that kind of willpower and if he did I don't think he'd be in this situation where he is putting patients at risk. (Which when you're addicted your judgement isnt 100% you're distracted you might be withdrawng)

Which drug service is this? I have never known one to inform employers and I've worked in the industry for longer than I care to remember.

It's not really like that Olly; I wouldn't let the children up a motorway with him if he hadn't been using, perverse as that sounds. He's safe and steady when he's taken it.

He never, ever has taken medication from patients but the assumptions being made by Fairytales are the same ones others would reach, hence he won't access support.

Meek I agree for most people. DH however seems to have an uncanny ability to switch off the switch.

They might know how things work elsewhere and the general principles of how to liaise with work etc.

Hunter, I don't know, I can try to ask later.

All I do know is that an ex friend/colleague self referred and ended up "blended shit" as DH rather disgustingly put it.

SoyaCoconutOrAlmond as the wife of one addict speaking to another phone a rehab centre and get him admitted (I did this) - if you wouldn't trust him without then he's withdrawing- my advice don't trust him when he is using. I know I'm repeating myself but however bad you think things are the reality is far far worse.

You need to get him help now

Not being funny thus isn't about his career it's about patient safety and the safety of your children. The way he's talking is typical egotistical addict crap. I'm so sorry you're going through this xx

There are actually several confidential services for HCP with addiction issues. www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-life-support/your-wellbeing/bma-counselling-and-doctor-advisor-service
Similar available for nurses.

They should disclose if there's a risk. That makes sense, but they won't if he doesn't pose a risk.

No I don't live in a parallel universe. I live in Scotland, I am a Psychiatric Nurse and I've seen at first hand the support staff can get. But the Tories don't run our health service thankfully.

Soya not suggesting he would do that, but if he's desperate, who is to say he wouldn't.

I'm not being horrible.

But I know the medications I take, I suffered withdrawal due to a bad reaction to a MS drug, I quite simply wanted to die.

I've also had cardiac issues where they've given morphine due to the pain. The paramedic said it's best if we give you the whole dose, or we have to fill out lots of paperwork on why the full dose wasn't given, disposal and so forth. I'll give it in stages via IV so you don't get knocked out.

Then I've had morphine administered by a nurse, they deliver the drug till you report the pain has lessened.

I'm on morphine anyway at home, luckily I've never had a high or any adverse effects. If you knew the dose I take each day you'd be surprised I'm conversing with you.

More sick-doctors-trust.co.uk/page/addiction

I remember watching something, it stated you would be surprised how many HCP are dealing with or have dealt with addiction.

As a substance misuse nurse I would always advise people to seek help.

You haven't said what substance he is addicted to, but really it doesn't matter. He will be intoxicated whilst at work. If he has direct patient contact or access to medication e.g. Works in pharmacy this really is not ok. Errors could be made, patients could die.

I'm really shocked you let your children in the car too.

I can't possibly know without a shadow of a doubt but I do believe he wouldn't.

He very rarely lies to me and he is a SHITE liar. Sometimes honest to the point of being insulting. He did try lying to me the other day but honestly you could have driven a bus through it. I think this is why he won't access help.

That being said, I do agree he needs help. I just don't feel he needs to lose his job