Have you or a loved one ever been directly affected by an addiction?

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Many times an interviewer will ask a question related to your career choice like this. Having been affected by an addiction is not a disqualifier for employment, so don't be alarmed if you have a personal history of addiction. The rationale behind this kind of question is to see how well you relate to someone who is suffering from a condition for which you are providing treatment. If you've never been affected, that's fine. You have the qualifications to help those who are, or you wouldn't be in this interview. If you have, however, this would be a good opportunity for you to share your thoughts and to display an attitude of true empathy for those who are struggling. Either way, just be honest and show a true desire to help others.

"I have a family history of alcoholism. I have had a few glasses of wine in my life, but never allowed myself the indulgence of anything more than that. I think, in the back of my mind, I always had this fear that I may be one of the ones who couldn't stop if I ever started drinking. Seeing the effects of the use of alcohol on those I love has been a big reason for my desire to help others with addictions."

"While I have never personally been affected by addiction, I do have loved ones who have been. In fact, my brother is part of the reason I decided to become an addiction counselor. He has battled with addictions of one kind or another for years. From alcohol to methamphetamine, the effects that these addictions have had, have been far reaching."

"I am actually a recovering addict. I have been clean and sober for over 15 years now, but that does not mean that I have forgotten what it feels like to have to fight the urge to use. I believe knowing what I lived through, and what I put my loved ones through, is a very big part of why I have such a desire to help others who are lost in addiction. One does not have to be a recovering addict to be a good addiction nurse, but for me, the fact that I could have died and didn't is why I push so hard to try and save others."

Anonymous Answer

"Yes."

Jaymie's Feedback

Addiction impacts many individuals and does not discriminate! If you feel comfortable, give the interviewer some additional context and how it impacted you or what role you played in that person's journey or treatment plan.

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Anonymous Answer

"While I have never personally been affected by addiction, I do have loved ones who have been. My uncle who was like a father to me suffered from Alcoholism. I have witnessed him suffer from it, which nearly cost him to lose his family."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a genuine and honest answer. You shared a personal connection to addiction, which helps demonstrate your experience and a level of understanding and empathy. Be prepared to discuss how this personal experience has influenced your perspective, shaped your understanding of addiction, and perhaps motivated your interest in becoming an addiction nurse. Connecting personal experiences to your professional goals can add depth to your response.

Anonymous Answer

"While I have never personally been affected by addiction, I do have loved ones who have been. My uncle, who was like a father to me, suffered from Alcoholism. I have witnessed him suffer from it which nearly cost him his family. He tried so hard to stop drinking but he always relapses. He then went to a treatment center in the Philippines and was able to get the help he needed that gave me a better understanding of addiction, that it is a disease, and perhaps that motivated my interest in becoming an addiction nurse as I also want to be able to help other people and be a part of their success in overcoming this disease."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent job!