Bipolar Support Group

Hi, I am new to the group but need some advice from someone on a legal issue my wife might be facing. She is BP and has been making progressively worse decisions over the past six months. She is a RN and works for a home health company. I recently discovered that she has been stealing meds from a few of her patients whose homes she visits for work. She uses them to self-medicate. Stealing is one facet of her poor decision-making of late, but I know that this has serious consequences. We are still married but sort of separated right now. We want to work things out although we both know that it may not happen. I don't want her to lose her nursing license but also don't want to get wrapped up in this myself if she gets in trouble for it. Any help is appreciated!

She is your wife and you still love her and she needs her license revoked!! PERIOD!!! I am appalled that you have not already called the authorities. She is not only stealing the money paid for the medication and the patients health, but your reasoning ability. You must put your fear of being wrapped up in her mess, to the side, and stand up for the people she is robbing.

Dear Madfarmer...your wife has a drug habit. She is an addict and is in need of some serious intervention. A nurse that is a drug addict is a danger to herself and to others. Please seek immediate help and don't put it off...she is betraying the trust of her patients. She is sick. Allowing her to continue would be enabling behavior, and I am sure you don't want to do that.

sHE IS Bipolar and we do make some very bad moves some time ,but I know from experience that if these bad moves are not stopped they could get a lot worse. It could become a high for her to see what she can pull off. I do agree it has to be stopped, but maybe you could try the turn yourself in or I will approach. Get her to make an appt for the two of you with a therapist or psych. and they will guide you from there. Just remember it's part of her disease and it can get better with proper guidance. Hang in there!

hopeandfaith

This is a very tough situation. It might be enough if you threaten her that you plan on calling the state to revoke her license to get her into treatment. I think this is more common then people realize. I actually underwent surgery and six months later the anesthisalogist that I had, was fired for abusing drugs - he had killed three people during surgery. Sad thing is, he was a really funny guy and collegues considered him brilliant. Drug addiction doesn't discriminate though. He lost his license, and cost the hospital millions.

Back her into a corner, and she might get serious. But be ready to follow thru. Research rehabs before hand. Find one that will take her insurance preferably one that deals with dual diagnosis - and offer to drive her. If she refuses, pick up the phone in front of her and call her employer.

I agree this needs to be stopped ASAP !! Very dangerous situation for her and her patients. Confronting her may wake her up enough to know she needs help.

Be there for her!

QD