Drink driving medical and scared

[rubywillow]

Drink driving medical and scared

Sorry to be another downer, but here if you have ANYTHING in your system that can effect your responses, it's considerd an intoxitoxicant. Don't know what your jurisdication is, but anything 'mind altering' can be used against you.
I've been there, Step. And it all depends on the area you are arrested in, and the laws.
But this is a BIG wakeup call for you, right? Not at all trying to be negative, just real, since countries, states, counties, towns can be so different in how they deal with all this. Like me in mine, so many years ago, let this really wake you up to you, not all the other stuff, OK? Only hope for the best.

[ATLThrash]

Drink driving medical and scared

Step-- while I do think if you were pulled over and had Valium in the system it would be considered an intoxicating agent, that is just if it contributes to your intoxication on the road. If properly prescribed and used and disclosed unless they expressly prohibit it-- I would think you would be okay

[ThreeDogNight]

Drink driving medical and scared

Hi, Step.
Have missed you here. I completely understand what you are going through. I did the DUI thing twice--now how sick is that??? I surely was not in my right mind. and we live with the thought that we could have badly injured or killed others. The positive thing is that we've done something about it. I go to AA five days a week, and also do a woman's meeting once a week. I have a sponsor now. I have a whole new attitude about the program.
I am not sure about the valium showing up in your urine, but if it was prescribed by a doctor, I imagine s/he can write a letter for you. I do know that a girl in rehab told me that they were able to somehow do a test for AL which showed the AL in her system for something like 80 days. Had never heard of that before. But it was AL, and that is what they were looking for. I'm sure that JackieClaire will be able to get more definitve knowledge for you.
I am so happy that you have accumulated so much AF time despite all those setbacks!!!
:lTDN

[stirly-girly]

Drink driving medical and scared

Stepintime - first I would like to congratulate you on being AF for over three months now. It is hard work to accomplish those first months and good for you on getting so much AF time under your belt. As Jackie said, I can see from your first post on this thread that you are scared, since you readily admit it. And rightly so, not knowing what the results of your blood/urine tests could be, since they will play the major role in you getting your driver's license back. The Bi-Polar meds will no doubt show up and there is a slight possibility that the Valium will as well. I would ask your doctor for a written, signed statement about you being Bi-Polar and that the drugs are prescribed for your condition. I would do the same for the Valium in case it is necessary. Just to prove that there is a reason for you taking the drug and that it was legally prescribed. Good that you have an eye examination scheduled and hopefully you will have glasses to correct your eyesight before you go for the medical.

I am so sorry that you have gone through so much during the last while...

Dealing with, and learning from my feelings of guilt and remorse, because I had to have a little help from my doctor to deal with a personal crisis ...ie a relationship break up, being made homeless, almost loosing my job, my eldest son actually loosing his, and my youngest with an immense sensitive crisis on a different level all together.

I wish you all the best - on the outcome of your medical and hopefully getting your license back and that things in your personal life - job, family problems, etc. improve greatly and quickly. And strength to you in continuing to stay AF and move forward with your life. Please keep us posted as to the results of your medical.

This thread was brought to my attention through a PM and at the risk of being called a hateful stalker again, I feel that I must reply to the following posts as well.

It would be of great benefit to the people posting on this forum, asking for help and advice, if we read the post over a couple of times before replying so that we are actually replying to their questions, uncertainties and fears. And I mean that as constructive criticism, not as detrimental criticism.

rubywillow;1276993 wrote: Step, the first thing to worry about is others on the road when you're drinking. Things can go HORRIBLY wrong in an instant, and is a lifetime sentence. THEN worry about the drinking. If you're drinking, hide your keys or give them to a good friend to prevent you doing it. I KNOW from where I speak on this. Even a fender-bender could get you real jail time, so don't do it. Take precautions ahead of time to protect others if you drink. It could save lives. I was lucky.Ruby, while your advice is correct for those still drinking and considering driving while doing so, I think perhaps you missed something in Steps first post on this thread. She's been AF since December 2nd, 2011. She has no intention of drinking and driving, simply because she is not drinking. Nor does she have a driver's license right now. And after reading her posts, I don't think she will ever, ever make that mistake again. Just saying....
dixon;1276994 wrote: I suggest to go abroad to treat your mental health and get medicines regularly from there .If you need my help please PM me.I am taking medicine from abroad and do not have any record here in the UK.
Please share !
Dixon

What does that have to do with Step's question which is basically if the Valium will show up in her blood/urine test?
dixon;1276996 wrote: I am with Rubbywillow first... If you need medicine without your medical history please tell me..
DixonStep has already been given legal medications by a registered doctor. Again, the point is not if the meds will be on her medical history but whether they will show up in the blood/urine tests.

JackieClaire;1277003 wrote: Step,hun.:l

I can hear the fear in your post.

Now then lets start with well done on not having a drink since December. :goodjob: Your liver must be ticking along nicely after 3 months AF.

I am right in thinking that your doctor knows about the meds you're on for Bipolar and the valium he/she gave you for the family crisis. These will be taken into consideration.

Your eyesight. Have you got time for an opticians visit. Not only for an eye test but he/she will also be able to give you some advice on working with computers.

Don't panic, Step. :l



The link below may be of interest to those in the US as our drink/drive laws are quite different in the UK

Drink Driving Laws | Drink Driving Penalties | UK LawsFinally, someone gave an answer that was pertinent to Step's questions and fears.
rubywillow;1277007 wrote: We start to feel bullet proof, dear, even laugh as we pass a cop when we're drinking. BAD. Protect yourself so you can protect others. I'm in such a remote area I can't get a ride, but if you can, DO IT!! Don't change other's lives with this problem, please. My kids won't drive with ONE drink, and I'm proud of that, but they learned the hard way.

Again, Ruby, Step has been AF for over three months now. It is more than commendable that your kids don't drink with even one drink, but the point here is whether or not the meds that Step has been prescribed will have negative results on her getting her driver's license back. Hopefully, they won't.

Stepintime - again, wising you the best of luck with your medical, blood/urine test, your personal trials and especially with your AF journey.

Since you're in the UK, why not join us on the Army thread? Most of us are in your time-zone. Looking forward to getting to know you better.

Stirly:l

[ATLThrash]

Drink driving medical and scared

Stirly-- I agree with you-- thatis what I was trying to say, perhaps inartfully-- I have never had a DUI or a DUI medical but properly prescribed drugs showing up in a urine sample especially if disclosed is not a problem-- and as you said-- she is not drinking-- and that I am sure is the main thing they look for! Had she been driving and given a urine and the valium showed-- yes they coudl charge her with a DUI if that was what lead to the impairment but that is not even remotley the case here. nto to minimize your fears Step or the seriousness of drinking and driving but I felt your post had very little to do with drinking and driving-- just with the consequences if any of what will be found in the urine-- and I truly think that it will all be well. If you can prove you are prescribed the drugs-- I just cannot see any conceivable issue!

[rubywillow]

Drink driving medical and scared

Well I'm sorry if I sound confusing, but blood/urine will show up everything. Whatever the reason. They will be able to tell how much is in your system, Step. Give an accurate account of what you take, prescribed, and when your last dose was before the problem. I'm sorry if I gave the impression you were still drinking, but I didn't mean that. All I can relate to here is the laws here and my own experience. I also take Valium occasionally, and a boatload of other meds that can and do affect my balance, but have learned the hard way NOT to take it within hours of driving a vehicle. So many things, even cold meds, can give positives for drug use. I'm not trying to exacerbate your fears, just want you to get all the info in advance of any questions to protect yourself. Having your prescriptions with you can help, so they can see you're legal in every way, they may be protecting themself against any legal problems arising from altering meds you take, so be specific about when and how you take meds, OK? This is again way out of my field since I don't know your laws, rules, situation, or why you blew over the limit. But this will pass, one way or another, and you'll move on. You've had great, helpful responses from most, and I wish you the best, and to be redundant, I'm sorry I sounded confused or in any way negative. I don't work, but Hubs and all his employees are subject always to regular drug/al testing. If positive, the company offers a chance for rehab first, but then they are subject to regular but random testing. All I'm saying is be prepared with all your records if they ask. I've been there, and it's an awful place I know to be in while you wait for the findings. Mine was related to driving because I crossed a center line with 2 cops behind me after driving for hours late at night who pulled me over, and they searched my car and found my meds in my bag. So this is a different situation, but it's all I have to relate to. JC is a great source for help for you and there as are others. But try not to worry too much. You're not wrong in taking prescription drugs as prescribed. Employers today ask for so much. I hope I've cleared up any misunderstandings, since I only want to help and not be negative. Let us all know how it goes, please. The worries and fears don't go away till you and they get the results, but you can't change what they have, can you. Try to be positive and prepared. And all I meant about my family is that I've not been a good example but a horrible warning through my problems. At least that served some purpose. Try to have hope, please. Again, I meant no disrespect towards you, just want to help. Can you possibly have your doc write a letter about the situation and the prescription? Best wishes, OK?

[ATLThrash]

Drink driving medical and scared

I agree the stuff may show in the test but i think what Step is saying Ruby is that she is sober now-- this is a follow up that is required to get her license back and comy with her probation or sentence and she is concerned having any meds in her system like the Valium and bipolar would adversely affect the situation. And I think that like we said-- any lawfully prescribed stuff that is disclosed by her should be fine. I am not even sure that the test would be flagged for Valium or bipolar meds even if not disclosed but I know in the drug tests I took they always said list any prescription, non and herbal. Step-- I would highly doubt that the presence of those meds and bad eyesight will undo all your awesome work. After we have gone through such traumatic stuff and made to feel like a common low life (I am sure that is how anyone is treated-- law enforcement is not designed to believe us and they deal with bad folks alot) we get scared and paranoid. Please try not to-- if anything the meds show you are seeking sanctioned help not drowning your sorrows!! Be proud!

[stepintime]

Drink driving medical and scared

Aw, thank you for your kind words. I feel better now my fears and concerns are better understood. I am hoping, as you have said, that as long as the diazapam was prescribed legitamately by my gp, that they will take that on board and allow me my driving licence back, when my ban ends at the end of May.
I will let you know what happens.
Thanks again, for all your responses

xxx

[KateH1]

Drink driving medical and scared

Hi Step,
Well done on three months of sobriety. I know that this ordeal must be extremely frightening and frustrating. "There but by the grace of god".....most of us can relate to having gotten behind the wheel when we have had too much to drink. In our clear and sober mind, we will say that there is never an excuse nor reason to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. But, after 2, 3 or more drinks, we know that our thinking becomes very skewed and many, normally responsible people do in fact, decide that they are "OK" to drive. Over the past 4+ years I know that I am always safe behind the wheel because I do not drink. You too will find this a Huge Relief when you get back your driving permit.

As for your medical conditions and your meds. You should be able to obtain a computer read out of all your meds and dosages from your pharmacy. The pharmacy holds a record of all of your Dr's prescriptions so this will cover you there. You can even present this accurate read out at the time of your drug tests! Also, in the US, you do not have to provide any sort of letter from a Dr. in regards to any actual "Diagnosis" as this is protected under the Hippa law. Law inforcement is not concerned with diagnosis, only if you are taking meds that can impair your ability to operate an automobile safely. Of course, I have no idea if the laws are similar in the UK, but I am certain that you can easily find this information.

Remember we all make mistakes and this does not make us bad people. The important thing is to learn from our mistakes!

Best Wishes to you!
Kate

[fennel]

Drink driving medical and scared

I'm glad you're feeling better, stepintime. I have been drug tested at work before...as long as you bring in a list of prescribed meds, or bring the actual bottles in, you will be fine. You're not taking the drug illegally or in an abusive way, so all should go well. Congrats on your big accomplishment of three months sobriety. :goodjob:

[JackieClaire]

Drink driving medical and scared

Hi Step,

Finally got an answer for you.

Talked to my boss this morning and valium can stay in the system anything from 3 to 5 days. But (isn't there always a but) it all depends on the individuals metabolism.

All I can think of now is have a quick word with your GP who prescribed it and he/she will hopefully give you a more definite answer.

J x
:l

[SKendall]

Drink driving medical and scared

Step, I hope you are feeling better. In regards to alcohol testing (I know this doesn't apply to you) but they can go back 80 hours, not 80 days and because the alcohol has left the body by this time they are looking for an enzyme that is created by the kidneys when alcohol is present.

I think J.C.'s response regarding the valium's longevity in your system is spot on.

Stop worrying okay?

[YouKayBee]

Drink driving medical and scared

I thought the medical was to ascertain whether or not you had a long-term alcohol problem, that they simply were looking for elevated liver enzymes as proof of that.

Have they told you they will be screening a urine sample for drugs?

I would also hazard a guess that they'll ask you to fill in a form about the medication, and any other relevant medical history too.

Valium is I think classified as a controlled substance in the UK and I'd not consider importing it, or obtaining it any other way. They do advise not driving or operating machinery whilst taking it, but hiding the fact you do take it wouldn't be a great thing to do. Many people are prescribed Valium and many do drive.

[stepintime]

Drink driving medical and scared

Thanks again for all your wonderful support.
I do think the point of the medical, is to make sure my liver doesn't show signs of alcohol damage from abuse, so I'm hoping I should sail that, as latest blood tests for my Bi-Polar show perfect results, and a healthy liver function.
I just hope they dont request reports from my Bi-Polar consultant tho, as they detail everything, in indepth detail. ... i.e my extreme mood swings, my emotional highs and lows, and my hospital admisions for overdoses. My god, I sound so unstable. I'm just feeling so much better from being sober. It's just that it's all there - in black and white, if they request it. Hopefully, as most of you have said, they are just making sure I am not abusing alcohol, and am therefore not a danger on the road. Im a bit concerned as to what to say, and fill in, on the questionairre. If Im honest about my alcoholism, I think I'm condemming myself. I dont know whether I should say I have had a problem with alcohol in the past, and am now in recovery, or skirt around the issue, and say I just had too much on that night, and made a very unwise and dangerous mistake.
I guess really, I will have to run it by my GP, and see what they advise. If it's just a medical to confirm my liver shows no sign of alc abuse, and I pass the blood tests, then I am worrying irrationally. It's just if they ask questions about my usage and any past history. Hopefully you are right, and all will be ok, and they will be happy to let me get back on the road again.
Thank you again for trying to reassure me. I was congratulated in my AA meeting yesterday, and told not to be so hard on myself. They know how difficult my journey has been, and how hard this is for all of us. We are just decent people trying to get well.
I have to get to bed now, or I'll never be up for work in the morning !! So I'll say night night, and god bless to you all.
And thank you JC, for taking the time to make the enquiries for me.
XxX

[LibraryGirl]

Drink driving medical and scared

Step, you've received some very helpful advice here, and I have nothing to add except congrats on three months sober.:goodjob: I feel certain that you will pass your medical with flying colors.

However, and this has nothing to do with Step, I got an eerie feeling that Dixon is preying on people on this site. I have a strong urge to report him/her. Shame on anyone who lurks in wait to prey on people who are struggling for sobriety, in order to make $$!!