If you think you may have trouble with alcohol use, consider these signs of problem drinking, courtesy of the NIH. 

If you are taking prescription drugs in a way other than they are prescribed for you, or if you have taken a medication that was not prescribed to you, please consider getting help immediately. 

Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, virtually everyone I have talked to in recovery went through a period of denial where they told themselves they could and would stop when they “need to”, when they’re “ready.”  I can tell you that addiction takes hold of your decision making and willpower in subtle ways, and control becomes a delusion. If you are taking drugs or alcohol inappropriately; if you’re making excuses to yourself or others to justify it; if you’re feeling guilt about it; if it’s detracting from the time and energy you have for work, family, or other things in your life: it’s time to get help. 

You may want to start by speaking with your physician or mental health counselor. Here is a great source of information for initiating treatment for substance abuse problems: findtreatment.gov. If you are a licensed healthcare provider, your board-associated recovery program may dictate where you can receive treatment they consider adequate or appropriate, so be advised. Treatment can be expensive in many ways (cost of treatment program; living expenses if not in town; loss of income, etc.). Check your health insurance benefits carefully so you know what to expect. Look at your employee handbook and consider speaking to your HR contact for details on how your employer handles this type of situation. 

You should consider voluntarily reporting your problem to your professional board’s recovery monitoring program. This is a big step with many implications, so it is wise to read through the information on their website. You may want to talk to your physician or even an attorney prior to doing this so you know what you are committing to. But the bottom line is: addiction is a serious problem that can affect you professionally, and the sooner you get help for it, the better off you and everyone else will be. 

Those of you who know me and my story probably suspect I have a lot more to say on this issue. I do. But that will have to wait until I have a little more time to reflect on things. 

Here are links for Iowa’s recovery committees for MEDICINE, DENTISTRY, PHARMACY, NURSING, and other licensed professionals.