This post is for those who are comfortable talking about their experiences with ADHD medications and their dealings with the Coast Guard Medical.
Why does taking care of one’s self have to endanger my livelihood? I am tired of raw dogging life because I am getting too old for this shit.
I have been diagnosed with Adult ADHD and my doctor wants to prescribe me medication. However the medications he is suggesting are specifically mentioned in one of the USCG Notice to Mariners. I found it once, but can’t find the link again. These will need a medical waiver. Honestly scared to do so because of losing my job.
Reading through testimonies from those not within our industry, the medications listed have had a profound effect in helping those with ADHD. Clearer minds, more productive, abiltiy to process instead of shutting down or avoiding the issue all together. But testimonies from within have been more rejective. From quotes of “don’t ask about it, don’t tell anyone”, “just deal with it”, “I don’t want someone hopped up on happy pills on my ship”, “take them but don’t tell the coast guard”. Meanwhile I work with people who cannot go 30 minutes without a cigarette or immediately open a bottle once they get home.
So if there is any advice on how to go forward with the USCG, it would be great. Also if anyone knows of a therapist who has dealt with mariners, could you pass their info along? The ones I have gone to do not understand my situation. My fear is if I disclose this information to the USCG, my license will be pulled and I lose my job. Or the USCG grants me a waiver then I disclose this to my job due to the random drug testing policy on site and lose my job. I fear that I am in a lose lose situation.
My next step is to talk with my EEO officer who should keep this confidential, but I do not trust them.
Will the drug show up on a USCG drug screen? If not no problem. If so ask about an alternative medication or see another doctor. It’s well known doctors are ‘encouraged’ to prescribe the latest and greatest drugs on the market.But you need to find the NTM first.
My experience is that the USCG doesn’t like experimentation with pharmaceuticals. If you are taking something prescribed by your doctor, and it works, and it doesn’t interfere with your ability to do your job, you should be fine. It would be advisable to start the medication when you are on an off-rotation so it can build up in your system and your doctor can write you a letter stating that it works.
Most stimulant ADHD medications are derived from amphetamines and CAN pop positive for meth. I’ve been on various forms of Adderall and have had it pop positive about 20% of the time.
Here is the letter I carry from my doctor, that the USCG accepts:
On Doctor’s Clinic Letterhead
Date
Patient Name, Date of Birth
To Whom It May Concern:
This certifies that patient name has been under my care since date. He has been stable and well controlled on his current medications for length of time. His conditions of condition and condition are well managed with medication and medication, without any recent changes to this regimen. If you have any questions, please contact the office.
Sincerely,
Doctor name and signature
Your biggest challenge is going to be the time thing. If you have 2 months off ashore, start ASAP when you get home so the doc can say you’ve been stable on it for 2 months. The longer the better.
They don’t want you experimenting with new things out at sea. They’re fine having you take a med you’ve taken for a while. Good luck.
