Just wondering if you guys knew how the coast guard feels about stuff like Ritalin or Adderall. I was diagnosed when i was a kid, haven’t taken the meds for probably 5 years but they really do help. I don’t [I]really[/I] need them, have gotten plenty of sea time, a degree and passed my 3rd’s without them, but I know i’d be a much better mariner and employee if I was on them. Problem is, I don’t want to ask anybody about it because I don’t want any funny looks or closer inquiries, so I figured I’d ask on here anonymously. Also, even if the CG doesn’t mind, do the companies? Would I not get hired on as a mate with that on my record? Anything you guys could tell me would help a lot. Like I said… just scared to ask the doctor and don’t really trust the Coast Guard not to screw me.
[QUOTE=jimbo;86650]Just wondering if you guys knew how the coast guard feels about stuff like Ritalin or Adderall. I was diagnosed when i was a kid, haven’t taken the meds for probably 5 years but they really do help. I don’t [I]really[/I] need them, have gotten plenty of sea time, a degree and passed my 3rd’s without them, but I know i’d be a much better mariner and employee if I was on them. Problem is, I don’t want to ask anybody about it because I don’t want any funny looks or closer inquiries, so I figured I’d ask on here anonymously. Also, even if the CG doesn’t mind, do the companies? Would I not get hired on as a mate with that on my record? Anything you guys could tell me would help a lot. Like I said… just scared to ask the doctor and don’t really trust the Coast Guard not to screw me.[/QUOTE]
An old post, but as a mariner in almost the exact same situation, I was curious if anyone had any insight.
Just don’t mention it on your application.
I take adderall and put it on my application since I am still prescribed it and take it fairly regularly. The coast guard made me get a letter from a head doctor saying I wasnt crazy and that the mediaction wouldnt have an adverse effects on me. Once I sent that to them didnt have any problems. If you do take it on a ship and the USCG doesnt know about it, there will be a problem if you have to take a pee test.
[QUOTE=Tugted;111013]Just don’t mention it on your application.[/QUOTE]
And don’t use it while on board.
This topic seems to be getting a lot of air time lately. Check the other threads and read the attached USCG medical policy guidelines. I agree with the above post that if you have not used psychotropic medications for 5 years, why raise the issue now?
I will defer to others on whether individual companys prohibit prescribed stimulants while on the job.
You have shown that you can be successful and do well for yourself without the medication. So why years down the road bring it up and decide to use it again? I would leave it be and continue along the current path you are on.
[QUOTE=jimbo;86650] I don’t really need them, have gotten plenty of sea time, a degree and passed my 3rd’s without them, [/QUOTE]
I was in the same boat. The question is what is the best decision for the safety of your ship, your shipmates and your career? For me the answer was taking the meds.
[QUOTE=jimbo;86650] Just wondering if you guys knew how the coast guard feels about stuff like Ritalin or Adderall. [/QUOTE]
It will slow down the application process by a week or two but otherwise I haven’t had a problem with it. But these meds are on the REC’s watch list and they could start denying add applicants at any time. So it will always be a knife hanging over your head.
[QUOTE=jimbo;86650] Would I not get hired on as a mate with that on my record? [/QUOTE]
You don’t have to disclose it until after you get hired (but before your medical exam)
[QUOTE=jimbo;86650] Like I said… just scared to ask the doctor [/QUOTE]
Why? You have a prior diagnosis. The worst he will do is say no. And if you pay cash for the first appointment then nobody will know you where there.
[QUOTE=Jetryder223;111019]And don’t use it while on board.
[/QUOTE]
This is terrible advice. If you are ADD and god forbid do get into an accident then the first question the investigator will ask is “why didn’t you take your meds”.
And are you going to be able to focus better on the charts, traffic situation and the 1000 other things with the meds or without them? If the answer is yes then I highly suggest you take them.
[QUOTE=Saltine;111024]You have shown that you can be successful and do well for yourself without the medication. So why years down the road bring it up and decide to use it again? I would leave it be and continue along the current path you are on.[/QUOTE]
How many transportation disasters have occurred because someone with ADD never went to the doctor to get diagnosed? Nobody knows but I bet it’s a lot.
How many transportation disasters have occurred because someone was on ADD meds? We know exactly how many because there are records of this. The answer is none.
ADD people can’t sit behind desks. We are attracted to jobs that are outdoors, interesting and have an element of danger. We are attracted to jobs where we can move around and do something physical. Studies have proven that a high percentage of police officers, firemen and special forces guys are ADD. Same goes for the construction industry, entertainers, salesmen and entrepreneurs. Evenmany high level CEOs. Well I’ll tell you another industry that attracts a high percentage of ADD folks, shipping.
The vast majority of the population (aka Normal people) cringe at the thought of leaving land, working up a sweat or doing anything dangerous. But normal people don’t really mind sitting in traffic, doing paperwork or sitting behind a desk 8 hours a day. We ADD people are the polar opposite.
I’d even bet that 80 percent of people reading this forum have ADD but only 20 are properly diagnosed and only 0.1 percent (me) are willing to admit it.
So rest easy knowing that most people you work with are also ADD but you are among the few with the self awareness to know it. Then go start take your meds because they will help you become better and safer deck officer.
[QUOTE=cmjeff;111040]
I’d even bet that 80 percent of people reading this forum have ADD but only 20 are properly diagnosed and only 0.1 percent (me) are willing to admit it. [/QUOTE]
Yes sir.
I’m ADHD, take adderal and I’m married to a psychologist who specializes in it.
She likes pointing out ADHD people when we go place together and last year I took her to my academy’s Homecoming BBQ. After 30 minutes I asked her why she hadn’t pointed out the people with ADHD. She gave me a look then pointed to 6. She usually points out a lot more so I said “Really? There are over 60 guys here and only 6 have ADHD?”. She shook her head and said “No, only 6 are normal”
If the USCG wanted to start denying applications for ADHD they’d loose most of the work force. So stop worrying and take your meds.
[QUOTE=Jetryder223;111019]And don’t use it while on board. [/QUOTE]
This is the most dangerous advice I’ve read all year!
[QUOTE=cmjeff;111040]
I’d even bet that 80 percent of people reading this forum have ADD but only 20 are properly diagnosed and only 0.1 percent (me) are willing to admit it.[/QUOTE]
Huh? Did you also know that 80% of statistics are made up on the spot?
[QUOTE=Tugted;111013]Just don’t mention it on your application.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Jetryder223;111019]And don’t use it while on board. [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=joepilot;111045]This is the most dangerous advice I’ve read all year![/QUOTE]
Context guys, Please…
My statement of don’t use it on board was in response to the previous post of “Don’t mention it on the application”. Don’t declare it - better not use it.
Of course if you have a script and report the medication to the company medical staff, use it as prescribed. Not to take needed medication just to 'safe face" is dangerous on many levels.
In my opinion ADD and ADHD are way over diagnosed. Every swinging $&@? can’t be one of these, it just isn’t possible. I think parents and doctors have used it as a convenient excuse especially in the last 15 years.
Now, this doesn’t negate the fact that there are people with these problems.
[QUOTE=cmjeff;111040]
I was in the same boat. The question is what is the best decision for the safety of your ship, your shipmates and your career? For me the answer was taking the meds.
It will slow down the application process by a week or two but otherwise I haven’t had a problem with it. But these meds are on the REC’s watch list and they could start denying add applicants at any time. So it will always be a knife hanging over your head.
[/QUOTE]
cmjeff, I’ve heard of situations like yours where everything works out, but then there are things like No. 2 on the following link that frighten me: http://www.mopslicenseins.com/mops_news_3k.html
I have a license renewal coming up shortly, and I don’t have anything to declare for a medical waiver yet. I’m terrified of having my renewal denied and license yanked at any point, would you advise waiting till the renewal is complete before sorting this all out with my doctor?
[QUOTE=Saltine;111067]In my opinion ADD and ADHD are way over diagnosed. Every swinging $&@? can’t be one of these, it just isn’t possible. I think parents and doctors have used it as a convenient excuse especially in the last 15 years.
Now, this doesn’t negate the fact that there are people with these problems.[/QUOTE]
I don’t claim to be an expert on the topic but in principal I have to agree with you 100%. We’re all over-diagnosed and over-medicated. All Doctors are like kids the day after christmas. As soon as they get a cool new thing to play with it’s all they want to have anything to do with. Studies also show that certain doctors have certain propensities to see certain things. Diagnoses are only as reliable as the sometimes tragically fallible things that make them, humans.
[QUOTE=PaddyWest2012;111071]I don’t claim to be an expert on the topic but in principal I have to agree with you 100%. We’re all over-diagnosed and over-medicated. All Doctors are like kids the day after christmas. As soon as they get a cool new thing to play with it’s all they want to have anything to do with. Studies also show that certain doctors have certain propensities to see certain things. Diagnoses are only as reliable as the sometimes tragically fallible things that make them, humans.[/QUOTE]
You are correct, it’s widely over prescribed to children and some doctors give it anyone who walks through the door. My wife totally agrees with you and this is also the number one topic that pisses her off.
But we are not talking about kids, we are talking about men in a profession that attracts the ADHD. We are talking about a profession that mostly doesn’t believe, goto or listen to shrinks.
in this job specifically the problem is under-diagnoses.
[QUOTE=Jetryder223;111064]Context guys, Please…
My statement of don’t use it on board was in response to the previous post of “Don’t mention it on the application”. Don’t declare it - better not use it.
Of course if you have a script and report the medication to the company medical staff, use it as prescribed. Not to take needed medication just to 'safe face" is dangerous on many levels.[/QUOTE]
You are right. I’ll withdraw my comment
[QUOTE=Saltine;111067]In my opinion ADD and ADHD are way over diagnosed. Every swinging $&@? can’t be one of these, it just isn’t possible. I think parents and doctors have used it as a convenient excuse especially in the last 15 years.
Now, this doesn’t negate the fact that there are people with these problems.[/QUOTE]
I think you’ve watched too many Sanje Gupta special reports on CNN.
And who said anything about parents? We are talking about grown adults!
[QUOTE=cmjeff;111076]I think you’ve watched too many Sanje Gupta special reports on CNN.
And who said anything about parents? We are talking about grown adults![/QUOTE]
No, I actually don’t watch the news because its not actually news. It’s regurgitated crap with a spin for the appropriate political party, mostly left wing.
Who said you weren’t an adult? Who said you were a child? I said parents and “doctors” with wwhom must diagnose you for medication, not real sure where the break down was on your end.
I simply made a statement that you spun.
[QUOTE=Saltine;111080]No, I actually don’t watch the news because its not actually news. It’s regurgitated crap with a spin for the appropriate political party, mostly left wing.
Who said you weren’t an adult? Who said you were a child? I said parents and “doctors” with wwhom must diagnose you for medication, not real sure where the break down was on your end.
I simply made a statement that you spun.[/QUOTE]
Ok, now I’m confused. But, you’re right, children don’t need meds.
My son is also ADHD and is not on meds because he’s 8’ and doesn’t drive heavy machinery. I’m forty and do. Big difference.
I had a AE that was a Vietnam Vet. He had come for a visit at my home one time and opened up to me about some of the things that he had been through when he was a Medic. A lot of my friends are Vets, but the stories that he shared with me would give anyone nightmares.
One time we were about half way through a Three Week Tour when he stopped talking to anyone. When he finally talked to me he admitted that he had run out of his medication. I was able to call his wife and she was able to get some to him so he could finish the tour.
He bid off of the boat right after this happened. After getting him to talk to me about why he bid off, he admitted that he was embarrassed about what happened. This guy was one of the best AE’s that I ever had and was very sorry to see him leave my boat plus he left the company shortly afterwards.
This incident really opened the eyes of my Captain and me. The Captain had a different view that I did, he said that he was glad that he left as he did not want him there because of what happened we did not know what he was going to do with the way he was acting. I looked at it from the point that he was a great worker that mistakenly and innocently ran out of his medications. Now, I could see the Captain’s point of view but I also felt for the AE.
I understand that some people need medication to level them out but when working om a vessel there is always the chance of running short which could put the rest of the crew in danger. I take medication for Diabetes and there were times that I ran out due to unforeseen circumstances, (bad weather, having to work over because my relief did not show). After this happening several times I made sure that I always had enough medication to last me tree time my normal hitches. I am now on a lot of medications due to my back injury and failed back surgery, I have to make sure to plan my life around when I have to get refills on my. Which is very hard at times.
When it comes to sailing, I would worry about someone running out of their medication and having problems because of it. I am sure that all of us have stories of getting stuck onboard due to some not showing up or having a long trip come up just before crew change and having to work over. When these situations come up, there is not much you can do if you do not have enough medication.
So, after my rambling post I guess what I am saying is while I understand people having to take medication, I also understand companies that would rather not deal with the problems that may or not come up with them.