Reentry too early and without prior adequate treatment and aftercare is a sure way to provoke relapse, especially in early recovery. There are recovering anesthetists working all over the country today. They are considered to be polished and disciplined professionals who are grateful to be in recovery from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Education Is Key Education on the disease of chemical dependency for all in the profession is an absolute necessity if lives are to be saved. We must know the early signs of this disease, and we must know where to go for help in order to set up a successful intervention.
Education also opens our minds to what is really going on with our peers.
AIR was first coordinated in 1984 by Beth Visintine, CRNA, and I have inherited the chairmanship. Beth and I had a dream that one day we would have recovering CRNAs in every state in the country who would be willing to be a part of a national network. At present, I do not have someone in recovery listed for every state. I am reaching out to all CRNAs in recovery from chemical dependency who would be willing to allow me to network them with other CRNAs who call me for assistance. My list is totally confidential so your anonymity is protected.