big pile of crap ahead

bummin

New Member
Got 3rd class last week, failed to include what could be called substance dependence. Never diagnosed, never went to rehab, never missed work, never affected life adversely - only saw a doc to express concern over taking prescribed medication. Doc gave medication for a few weeks to get off the prescribed medication, but not in records as such. In records as medicine was prescribed for pain. So, over the weekend, I thought better of it and went back to AME revealing I thought I could have made a mistake and asked his advice. Of course, he defers and now I have a big pile coming. Any thoughts or advice? Thanks.
 
I had a few students with similar situations. Get your documentation from the original incidence in order as best you can and just wait for your pile to arrive. In addition to your documentation, you may be looking at a psych eval and possibly a course on substance abuse. A pain and extra expense, but nothing insurmountable. I wouldn't expect any punitive action given how quickly you "came clean," but every situation is different.

Better to deal with this now than have to deal with it several years down the line.
 
Thanks for the thoughts. I really hope I'm not punished as I saw the AME two working days later, and on top of that it's self- reporting to the extent I'm identifying a condition a doctor hasn't. Who knows, just better to go ahead and deal now...
 
I would hope your honesty helps you out alittle bit. I mean most people who have never said anything and the FAA would have never found out. I admire the fact you came clean. Most people hide stuff like that. I mean hell I got in some trouble with the law years ago when I first started to fly the AOPA legal services lawyer told me never tell the FAA anything they wont find out. Never the less I came clean like you and got to wait 3 weeks for my medical. It mean seem like a long process but you will get through it.
 
Looks like I have a year of weekly random drug and alcohol testing. And visits with the FAA addiction specialist in Orlando. And group therapy. And other stuff. I really hope they stop there, which is what the regional HIMS case manager intimated. Whatever it takes. Eye on the prize. I need to accept now that whatever I think should happen is meaningless - a tough proposition but reality regardless. Thanks for the comments. Kestrel452 good luck to you. I'll update when I get the letter from the FAA, which I'm sure will be worse than anticipated in case anyone wants to follow this success story.
 
That seems ridicolous when a person who gets a DUI doesnt have to do all that stuff and you have a clean record.
 
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