After getting sober again this time, My Dr. Put me on some meds. One of them I take at bedtime to help me sleep, another is for anxity. I take it because I have A.D.D and I take a low dose of Adderall and the meds for anxity help calm me down some . It's a VERY low Mg. The other day I applyed for a new job. I passed the drug test with no problem, but then I had to go get a Med exam. I found out that the Dr. called thge Co. and told them what all meds I was taking. The Co. said I need a letter from the Dr. saying he's taking me off of 2 of the Meds. They DO NOT interfer with my job peformance, and I do have a pecripition for them. Was the Dr. wrong for calling the employer informing them of what Im taking? I know this may not seem to have anything to do with me being a alcolic, but the A.D.D. does add to my alcoholism.I was just wondering if anyone encountered this kind of problem.
Yes, it does have to do with your alcoholism Ron. This is just my two cents: I would contact my doctor and tell him the situation; that you applied for the job, then came the drug test, and the opinion of the company's doctor. Ask your doctor what HE thinks and see if he is willing to contact the other doctor and discuss your need for these medications with him and if something can be worked out. Just my opinion...Tim
P.S. Glad to see you're doing so well!
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"We posess the eyes through which the universe gazes with wonder upon its own majesty."
I would consult the doctor that prescribed the ADD and anxiety drugs in the first place. I myself am taking meds for anxiety and have been for a couple years. Even after becoming sober, my therapist, who has talked to me before and after, agrees that anxiety has been a lifelong problem for me, pre-dating the first drink, and I am unlikely ever to get over it completely. A legitimate prescription should not be grounds for losing one's job, especially if it cannot be shown in any way to affect job performance.
If this continues to be an issue, I may consult a labor law attorney. As an attorney myself, I do not believe that the company has necessarily acted completely legally. Did they have you sign a form waiving doctor-patient privilege? If not, you have a complaint against the doctor. You may also have a claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as there is a remedy other than discipline or termination for your conditions.
Keep in mind, of course, that I practice criminal law, so nothing I say on the subject of your employment law should be taken as fully competent legal advice. These are mere suggestions from someone sensitive to potential illegalities.
I don't like to discuss my Mental Health issues with the group. The reasons are because Mental Illness is still stigmatized and ignorant people put the wrong definition on you because of it.
I have Co-Occuring disorders that were not diagnosed until I was 9 years Clean and Sober. I hadn't and still haven't had a drop of alcohol in my system, nor have I had any drugs for 13 1/2 years by the Grace of God. However, I have had to be placed on medication that the phycologists, and physychiatrists feel would benefit my daily life. I am a different person because of the treatment that I am on. I would be dead if I didn't take my Medication properly today and I am thankful for God who created the Doctors and the Chemists that created the mediications to help me.
As long as you are not abusing, overtaking, and jeopardizing your Sobriety. You should listen to your Doctors. ALways be honest with them about your disease of Alcoholism so that they know what is best for you. Mine has been wonderful and he has known about my disease and I am doing fine.
As for this company telling you to stop your medications to be able to work for them. That sounds crazy! I am, my husband is, and many of our friends are on one or several types of medications for various Health conditions. Some are Diabetics, some have Heart Problems, some have a Mental Illness, like ADD or ADHD or Bi-Polar. Whatever the reason it should not matter to anyone, not your employer either as long as you can do the job, and do it well.
I will pray for you and the outcome to be in God's Will. "God is always TRUST WORTHY.
