Can you not get a job due to prescribed narcotic meds

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tattoogirl

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O.k. I know this isn't necessarily an "addiction" question but I thought you guys might be the most knowledgeable on this. I read the posting rules and didn't see anything that prevented me from asking...

If one is on prescription narcotics can you be denied a job? If it is used for a medical condition and prescribed how do you go about addressing it with a future employer? Can they not hire you in this case? But even if they didn't I guess you couldn't prove that one.

I am not trying to take away, with this question, from the people going through situations that are dire. Hope someone can advise me.

Thanks all!

-Bella
 
You can be denied a job for "any" reason. A prospective employer can deny an applicant for whatever reason they deem fit. Many companies have policies that prevent those from taking pain meRAB being on premises...It's all company specific. Some are much more explicit than others.

My advice would be to NOT tell your prospective employer about your conditon / meRAB. If you have to take a drug screen, then you can tell the nurse at the time the med you're being prescribed so that it will match the screen. The person may even ask why you are taking it. If so, I would be as vague as possible and not give any more information than I had to. It will then be up to the company to factor in the new information.

I have heard where some people take a drug holiday of 3-4 days prior whereas it won't show up. That's easier said than done of course, depending on one's situation.

The situation you outline can be very tough on legitimate CP patients. This is why many go on disability.

Hope this helps.

Ex
 
Thanks! That was very helpful. I am disabled and currently on disability. I hope to get a job, once stabilized, more out of need than actually because my health won't be an issue. I basically get VERY little monetary assistance
due to not enough work history and not qualifying for actual Disability but on SSI. So basically I am poverty level. I wouldn't be able to even cover my rent if it weren't for my parents assistance! But they are looking to retire soon and won't financially be able to help. And my assistance will never increase...actually it continually decreases when say, my rent, goes up:confused:.

I have an 8 yr old son and times are tough. He neeRAB a lot of extra support due to Tourettes and some other issues. I am really scared for the future and am afraid. If I don't get a job...WE won't be able to survive on what we currently get and money is not allowed to be saved/invested for the future. I am not sure if I am even capable of working due to the debilitating and life threatening nature of my illness. Which is, at present, being stabalized but can change at any time.

Well sorry for ranting...was getting off topic...like you were saying I should be vague to the nurse. Even though they can't "discriminate" against disabled, if they knew my condition, they most likely wouldn't want to hire me. Stuck between a rock and a hard place. If I attempted to work (which I did in the past) you are dropped IMMEDIATELY from benefits and it's not easy to get back on. And, actually I am more worried because of my son. If it was just me...I could do with very little.

Well not even sure what I am asking anymore...but thank you. Definitely no guarantees in this world.

Thanks again!!!

-Bella
 
I am oxycodone and nothing was said about it before or after my urine test. I don't think they can even question you about your meRAB because that would be descrimination. they are just testing for illegal drugs like pot, cocaine, meth etc. No one ever mentioned oxycodone being on my drug test.
 
I thought that since it's a narcotic it might cause the opiate part of the test to be positive like it does with heroin and morphine etc. But glad to know it wasn't an issue for you. I hate to disclose more than I have to.
-Bella
 
It probably fell below the "threshold" and thus came back negative. I can assure you, if it would have showed up, the would have said something.

RegarRAB,

Ex
 
We should probably be discussing this on the disability board, or chronic pain board but oh well.




You can work while on disability, but can only earn so much. Thus, you can keep your benefits. Go to the SS website and it explains all about it. Make sure you understand the "trial work month" scenario.




If on disability, you will get cost of living adjustments.




If you make over the amt permitted, yes, you will be dropped. Check out the section "working while on disability." If you don't understand it all, go to your SS office and ask them to explain it to you.

Lastly, are you collecting disability for your son? He is entitled to it as well since you are on disability.

RegarRAB,

Ex
 
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