Intoxication Complication

[ofmiceandrudder]

I'm 20 years old and currently in the works on getting my CPL, and my medical is about to expire. However, last December I made the mistake of becoming severely intoxicated while at a friend's house. My friends were worried about me due to how sick and unresponsive I became and brought me to the ER. I received medical care and "came to" a few hours later. Despite living in the U.S. and being underage the hospital gave me no legal trouble and I was good to go back home.
That being said, I'm nervous about renewing my medical as they'll ask me if I've visited a hospital within X amount of time, but without being charged for intoxication, should I mention my ER visit, and will this disqualify me furthermore?

Also, I have never had any previous history with being sent to the hospital for intoxication of any kind.

 

[Lindberg]

I'm 20 years old and currently in the works on getting my CPL, and my medical is about to expire. However, last December I made the mistake of becoming severely intoxicated while at a friend's house. My friends were worried about me due to how sick and unresponsive I became and brought me to the ER. I received medical care and "came to" a few hours later. Despite living in the U.S. and being underage the hospital gave me no legal trouble and I was good to go back home.
That being said, I'm nervous about renewing my medical as they'll ask me if I've visited a hospital within X amount of time, but without being charged for intoxication, should I mention my ER visit, and will this disqualify me furthermore?

It doesn't sound like you were admitted to the hospital, but you'll have to report the ER visit under visits to medical professionals, and the reason. What was the diagnosis?

If you were unconscious, you'll have to report that as well.

 

[ofmiceandrudder]

It doesn't sound like you were admitted to the hospital, but you'll have to report the ER visit under visits to medical professionals, and the reason. What was the diagnosis?

If you were unconscious, you'll have to report that as well.

The principal diagnosis was alcohol intoxication, and appearance was reported as lethargic.

 

[Daleandee]

BAC?

 

[bbchien]

....that's the question, isn't it....
But it really doens't matter. He drank to physical harm = alcohol dependency.
Are you now abstinent, as in NO liquor?

 

[ateamer]

How is a single event dependency? Does he have withdrawal symptoms without daily drinks?

 

[172andyou]

How is a single event dependency? Does he have withdrawal symptoms without daily drinks?

Yeah, the idea that someone got wasted once and therefore is dependent is ridiculous.

 

[Salty]

Yeah, the idea that someone got wasted once and therefore is dependent is ridiculous.

The level of ridiculousness does not seem to make any difference.

 

[Lindberg]

How is a single event dependency? Does he have withdrawal symptoms without daily drinks?

Depends on the facts and history, but it could fall under "impaired control of use." Now, if he's just a moron and guzzled a fifth of vodka the first time he ever drank, it might only be abuse.

14 CFR § 67.307 - Mental.

www.law.cornell.edu

 

[KKeller2231]

I wouldnt report it.

 

[ateamer]

I wouldnt report it.

Don’t listen to this advice. He either has no idea what he’s talking about, or is a troll (first and only post is to tell someone to violate regs? Dude!). Don’t report it and the FAA finds it, you’re looking at losing your pilot certificate forever and possible federal prosecution.

 

[bbchien]

Yeah, the idea that someone got wasted once and therefore is dependent is ridiculous.

Remember: the definition is an aerospace definition for which congress gave authority for, in 2009. It is, what it is. He didn't "just get wasted". He required Hospital.
...and I don't think "ofmiceandrudder" is coming back here.

About ten years ago I had a similar case. Ended up in rehab.

 

[172andyou]

Remember: the definition is an aerospace definition for which congress gave authority for, in 2009. It is, what it is.

Fair enough. Didn't mean to shoot the messenger.

 

[ofmiceandrudder]

Remember: the definition is an aerospace definition for which congress gave authority for, in 2009. It is, what it is. He didn't "just get wasted". He required Hospital.
...and I don't think "ofmiceandrudder" is coming back here.

About ten years ago I had a similar case. Ended up in rehab.

Would it make any difference that the hospital let me off so easily? And no further word from authorities? I believe since my friends brought me, it falls under a “Good Samaritan” type of deal. I wasn’t required to be hospitalized, they just brought me out of concern and to clear my system.
But then again I’m sure the FAA would think otherwise. I’ve been on a sober run since then, and have not gotten into any trouble like that before or after my visit to the hospital.

 

[4RNB]

I'm 20 years old and currently in the works on getting my CPL, and my medical is about to expire. However, last December I made the mistake of becoming severely intoxicated while at a friend's house. My friends were worried about me due to how sick and unresponsive I became and brought me to the ER. I received medical care and "came to" a few hours later. Despite living in the U.S. and being underage the hospital gave me no legal trouble and I was good to go back home.
That being said, I'm nervous about renewing my medical as they'll ask me if I've visited a hospital within X amount of time, but without being charged for intoxication, should I mention my ER visit, and will this disqualify me furthermore?

Also, I have never had any previous history with being sent to the hospital for intoxication of any kind.

In what way was this a "mistake"? Use of this words seems to minimize the issue, albeit common for the age group.

Hospitals dont give people legal trouble for this kind of thing, only if you dont pay the bills.

 

[4RNB]

Would it make any difference that the hospital let me off so easily? And no further word from authorities? I believe since my friends brought me, it falls under a “Good Samaritan” type of deal. I wasn’t required to be hospitalized, they just brought me out of concern and to clear my system.
But then again I’m sure the FAA would think otherwise. I’ve been on a sober run since then, and have not gotten into any trouble like that before or after my visit to the hospital.

Again, this seems to be minimizing kind of language.

 

[Sierra1]

Would it make any difference that the hospital let me off so easily? And no further word from authorities? I believe since my friends brought me, it falls under a “Good Samaritan” type of deal. I wasn’t required to be hospitalized, they just brought me out of concern and to clear my system.
But then again I’m sure the FAA would think otherwise. I’ve been on a sober run since then, and have not gotten into any trouble like that before or after my visit to the hospital.

It’s what you can prove to counter what they have evidence that points to at this point. You should listen to the doc.

 

[Anthem]

<Content deleted by User>

 

[Lindberg]

In what way was this a "mistake"? Use of this words seems to minimize the issue, albeit common for the age group.

You think this wasn't a mistake? Sure seems to me like an error in action or judgment.

mistake
noun
an error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge, etc.

Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words

The world's leading online dictionary: English definitions, synonyms, word origins, example sentences, word games, and more. A trusted authority for 25+ years!

www.dictionary.com

 

[Lindberg]

Would it make any difference that the hospital let me off so easily? And no further word from authorities? I believe since my friends brought me, it falls under a “Good Samaritan” type of deal. I wasn’t required to be hospitalized, they just brought me out of concern and to clear my system.
But then again I’m sure the FAA would think otherwise. I’ve been on a sober run since then, and have not gotten into any trouble like that before or after my visit to the hospital.

Hospitals aren't punitive institutions, they don't let people off. And the fact that your friends brought you is meaningless to the medical issue. You need to take your ER records to a senior AME who is willing to do a consult. That's the only way you're going to get a really meaningful answer about what's next.

 

[TCABM]

…
That being said, I'm nervous about renewing my medical as they'll ask me if I've visited a hospital within X amount of time, …

You have a legal requirement to report a visit to a physician. This is one; involuntary or not. You likely received a diagnosis of some kind; that is reportable.

Failure to report is a federal felony. Don’t make a legal issue out of a medical application.

If you’re not a US citizen, failing to report may also jeopardize your visa/residency status. Deportation can bar you from re-entry for years or life.

Welcoming to making adult decisions.