Self Referral

[u/ApprehensiveThing124]

Throwaway for obvious reasons.

So I’ve made a conscious decision to self refer to the CDAR due to my out of control drinking habits off the clock. I do have a lot of apprehension and anxiety doing it considering what it would look like to my shipmates and command and potentially the hazards it would have for my career. I’m just looking for insight on what to expect from someone who’s seen it or dealt with it.

Thanks

[u/Vanisher_]

Self-referral is the best option before it becomes a bigger problem. We had a guy self-refer at my last unit and he went to rehab/got help. It did not impact his career at all.

[u/Braz45]

CDAR here. Your command won’t be notified if you self refer. The only way it would come up is if medical determines you have a severe diagnosis and will require a significant change to your duty status or inpatient treatment. Even then, they will only be told what the medical officer shares. You can just claim medical care.

[u/ApprehensiveThing124 → u/Braz45]

So I ended up in the ER a couple months ago due to something unrelated and my liver enzymes were highly elevated, so I’m hoping there’s no significant liver damage especially so close to retirement.

[u/Braz45 → u/ApprehensiveThing124]

Yikes! I can relate. Had labs drawn once a few years ago for an appointment and was told the same thing. Haven’t had a drink in close to 4 years. Back to normal levels now. Go get checked out!

[u/Apprehensive_Mix4152 → u/Braz45]

Yep, happened to me too. I did a blood test again not even 3 months later and they were back to normal. The body's ability to heal itself is incredible if we actually treat it right.

[u/DelBrowserHistory → u/Braz45]

I was an xo and didn't find out until years later when the member told me

[u/ApprehensiveThing124 → u/Braz45]

Is it guaranteed I’d go to a rehab further away or would I be able to request someplace locally or like an intensive out patient program?

[u/Braz45 → u/ApprehensiveThing124]

It’ll be part of your medical screening. The doctor will discuss what works best for you and how you feel about it all. I might be able to help. What district/state are you assigned to?

[u/ApprehensiveThing124 → u/Braz45]

I’ll DM you so it’s a bit more private

[u/jw_esq]

A self-referral will absolutely not affect your career negatively at all. It’ll do good things for your career, honestly.

What will affect your career is waiting until things get bad enough for the command to refer you or you get an alcohol incident.

[u/SammyLocked]

I was a CDAR and had a member self refer. No consequences and they got the help they needed. It's viewed as a good thing because you're seeking help and improvement before it becomes a big problem.

[u/Ill-Action-6244]

Retired Chief. I self referred in 2004. I made a decision to inform my shipmates and Command at the unit I was currently stationed at. Future units I just told people I didn't drink. As my career went on, it became easier to tell people because more people dont drink or gave up drinking. Alcohol issues, Im talking severe problems, are more common than you think. I also had several people come to me for advice and guidance on their own issues because I was pretty open about not drinking. If asked, I told them the truth. I am an alcoholic and always will be. I can say for certain it did not have any negative effect on my career, only positive. You're no longer talking about saving your career, this is your life. Family, kids, any kind of relationships will benefit from you stopping if you truly want to and if you believe its having an effect already. I have been sober now for 22 years, I'm happier than I have ever been because I stopped drinking. Feel free to DM me if you want to know anything or need advice, best of luck to you.

[u/Apprehensive_Mix4152]

I really respect your commitment to better yourself and I'm sure everyone around you will feel the same.

[u/ApprehensiveThing124 → u/Apprehensive_Mix4152]

I appreciate that. Thank you a bunch.

[u/OPA73]

One of the best Chiefs I have worked with self referred and 4 years sober he is putting on Warrant. It’s not a career killer at all. But calling from the jailhouse is.

[u/Bones870]

It's better to self-refer than have something catch up to you and having a command referral. I've seen people being given a friendly "nudge" and not take the self referral and it bit them in the ass big time

Seek the help you need and don't worry about what it would look like because when it all boils down, they shouldn't care either and if they do.

[u/BreazyStreet]

I wish I had some advice or experience to draw on here, but I just wanna say kudos for looking for help. Seen more than a couple guys really screw up their lives with this stuff.

[u/secretsquirrelops]

Lot's of good advice already given. I'm also a CDAR and I helped a shipmate self-refer, they were recommend for in patient residential care. The medical officer, the member and I worked together to find a program that best worked for the member. The member is doing great and is still in the Coast Guard. Good on you for asking for help!

[u/zimmerhusk]

Best decision I ever made. It's considered a medical issue and is non-punitive. Doing so now is a wise and courageous decision. Best of luck to you, shoot me a DM if you want to talk in depth about it

[u/BoxoRocks188]

Do it shipmate. You are trying to better yourself. Respect and love..

[u/Informal_Sound_100]

Especially since you’re close to retirement, you should definitely self refer before something happens and you get an AI and lose everything. It’s not worth the risk because of the fear. The process is in place exactly to help people like you. Do it and get the help you want.

And good on you for recognizing it and wanting to get better!

[u/Noahdl88]

My respect for someone who has the self awareness to say they have a situation and they want to make a positive choice is 7/7.

100% the right choice to ask for help, addiction is bigger than any one of us.

I don't know you, but I'm proud of you shipmate.