Methadone Addiction: Methadone Facts

Question: Finding a career after heroin/methadone addiction, le or military?

(Posted by: on 2011-08-07 08:42:15)

Hello I am a recovering addict, I have 3 years clean under my belt right now, I have no felonies but some misdameanors, mostly petite larceny, I am looking for a job in law enforcement or military, but as you know if you have had a related experience this can be very difficult with past drug use, I Am wondering if anyone knows a place to start or a job in LE or Military I can get. Maybe Even Security, I am willing to start out at the bottom, or go through courses or college to get a certificate if that will help, If anyone has ideas or advice Id really appreciate it. And please no rude answers or answers of "find another career choice " obviously that is an option but i don't need it stated as I know this but I would like to follow my current choice. Thank You I was also on methadone for 2 years and in a treatment program, I attend meetings regularly, I am very dedicated to my sobriety and I want nothing more then a career in something I love,

Posted by: J Miller on 2011-08-09, 21:09:13

I don't know about the military but unfortunately your chance of getting a job in law enforcement is slim to none. They are extremely picky about who they take and having smoked pot a few times ten years ago is usually enough to disqualify you. They have a lot applicants so they can be picky. Although I'm sure you're doing great now and will hopefully remain clean forever in their eyes you are a liability. Fact is that a lot of addicts do relapse and if that would happen on the job it could cause them major problems. That's not a risk any law enforcement agency is willing to take. It's unfortunately but that's how it is. Since cops have a lot of power over people they want to make sure that anyone they accept are very stable people and they put applicants through a battery of tests to ensure that they have no issues. Your past issues would definitely be a problem for them. I'm really sorry to say it but unfortunately I think you have to give up your dreams of being in LE. Security may be an option. Why don't you call around to some major companies and ask. Make an anonymous call. About the possible military career your best bet would be to contact a recruitment office. They will be able to answer your questions. I'm not as knowledgeable about military procedures as I am LE but I would guess that you may have a problem there too because of your addiction, especially with such a short time in recovery. The military have become much more picky than they once were when they accepted anyone. Nowadays a lot of people are denied because of their criminal record and previous drug use. I don't mean to get you down but I can't lie to you. It would be great if we addicts (I'm also a recovering heroin addict) would get the second chance we deserve but it's sadly not like that. You have to prepare yourself for the possibility that these careers won't be a possibility for you.