Should state medical licensing boards and the courts be allowed to order mandatory AA/NA participation?
I was an RN who self-reported a substance abuse problem to the NC board of nursing. One of the requirements is that the nurse not just attend meetings, but do all the “stuff” that the 12 steps require. With the main requirement that you profess to the group a belief in a “Higher Power”. Evidence of your participation and attitude have to be documented by your “sponsor” and submitted monthly to the NC Board of Nursing. Well, I believe that AA is inherently religious, and that this requirement violates the 2nd amendment. There were several Rn’s who were atheists and understandingly objected to the higher power nonsense, since by their nature as atheists they of course do not believe in a higher power. But the Board would not lift the requirement for them. I’m Christian, but I believe AA/NA are religious cults and my religion teaches against praying in groups outside of church services.
Sorry this is so long, but I’m dying to hear everyone’s opinion.
typo: “understandably”, not “understandingly”.
mnwomen:
As a matter of fact when I received my nursing license the subject of Board disciplining programs wasn’t in the by-laws. No one knows what their particular disciplinary actions will be until aech case is reviewed. But when I went to nursing school I didn’t plan to become addicted to drugs, so there was no reason to go before the board and say: “BTW when and if I get on drugs what is the board’s discipline policy”?
As far as the judicial system is concerned most people who drive impaired know what the consequences are before they do it, but that still does not give the government the right to violate the constitution as part of the punsihment.
Read the 2nd amendment.
Rosen: You’re definately in the minority amoung your colleagues I’m sure.
The NCBON wouldn’t hear of giving an option to choose behavioral therapy like R. Recovery, Lifering, etc. It’s so damn frustrating because I don’t think there are any hard studies that support AA’s claim that they have a “97%” recovery rate. Unfortunately the majority of SA IOP programs are run by step-nazis, at least here in Charlotte.
#1 by mnwomen on February 7, 2010 - 10:04 am
I have to say this is something you obviously knew about when you took the job and got your license. You agreed to the conditions of employment/licensing. Now that they are enforcing it you do not like it. Sorry but you agreed, and now are paying the price. As to AA being inherently religious. Have you asked if you could go somewhere else? If not try that. Otherwise follow the policy you knew was in effect when you took the job.
#2 by Rosen on February 7, 2010 - 10:17 am
I agree AA is a religious cult, and coercing persons there is cruel, illegal, and a violatin of the Separation of Church and State. Also for AA to report attendance is a violation of one of their important tenets. Secular alternatives exist, but not many referrals are made because many treatment providers have been brainwashed t o believe that AA is the only answer As a psychologist and Clinical Director in a Substance Abuse Program I was very unpopular with staff for referring patients to alternative treatment and for inviting these organisations to present their programs. In fact New York State considers AA to be a cult and prohibits public funding and coercive referrals. This was in response to a Federal Court Case
#3 by jojokeeper on February 7, 2010 - 10:40 am
No.
In such matters
I believe in upholding the Constitution of The United States of America; forced or otherwise coercing one to pronounce faith in a higher power is not only wrong it is illegal.
No one who knows Faith in God and is honest with himself and others about the matter will say that forced or coerced conversion is right.
My Joy Is full.
Have a nice day.