I agree with mr. Root that health care providers and nurses should not be in active addiction, although this isn't aimed at just hiddennurseaddict.
Chronic pain, your grievances are totally justified and yes, professionals are obligated to hold decent ethical standards by law - I think no reasonable person would not agree with you, mate.
There are standard ethics in HC and anyone who contravenes them, and is caught, will risk being dismissed from their pay and it will be noted on their record - this is a hugegamble/ price to pay - no person, in their right mind, would dally with this.
However, and this is why...
Ideally, no one should be in active addiction ( it is understandable that hiddennurseaddict was outraged to see a moderator who judged him/her so harshly
on this forum) - I think most would agree but yes, this is the paradox of addiction. However,
this website is for everyone who struggles with addiction/has been affected by addiction to post their grievances;
especially in TDS which is a sanctuary for addicts- we addictics will always rationalise our circumstances but that does not mean we are proud or, choose to be addicted.
If nurses cannot post on here without some empathy toward their circumstance - then, that is cruel(as it inhibits the right for that person to find support toward their recovery and hope toward making willing steps out of their addiction- which is why they come to TDS). We can discuss our opinion of the situation without holding any addict to shame of a situation they are trying to get out of - this is possible with proper thought, respect and consideration of the individual and their circumstance, imho. Most dont choose addiction willingly, but it finds them, often due to the desperation to escape that which seems/is psychologically intolerable.
It is often difficult to discern between being empathetic to the person that is addicted to a substance and validating their addictive behavior. Addictive behaviour is often unethical ( which is somewhat under an addicts control and sometimes not) - the fact that our conscience is compromised by chemical activity is what leads many to post on here - as this struggle is what can perpetuate the addiction/give impetus to it's cessation and the outcome may be precarious at worst, and succesfull at best ( with help and support)- the addict is aware of this - what a fucking burden to carry. Hopefully, hiddennurseaddict realises this paradox( that most BLers are struggling to even deal with themselves; hence the harsh judgement; finger pointing grandiosity) and understands that most on here, can empathise but want her to recover, as despite her struggles, she seems to have a lot of smarts and despite rationalisations can see the truth of the situation and the greater implications; if not for h/im/erself. Which is most important.
