Military (Navy & Coast Guard) Enlistment Policy on Alcohol Rehabilitation?

Question by Nash0984: Military (Navy & Coast Guard) Enlistment Policy on Alcohol Rehabilitation?
I’m a recovered alcoholic (2+ years sober) and am very interested in joining either the Navy or Coast Guard Reserve when I finish graduate school. I’m 25, good shape, never been in trouble with the law and college educated. However, I did go to rehab over two years ago to get myself in order, and have been sober ever since.

Will the fact that I went to rehab, DQ me from joining?

I’ve talked to several people, including recruiters who have told me to omit that I have been to rehab. I would really rather not lie. Are there any recruiters that could answer this question?
Yak, Thanks for the response. You have any more info besides those Regs? I’ve heard things all over the board.

Best answer:

Answer by Yak Rider
********Right now, the waiver will be very difficult to get.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction (without an approved waiver) are an authenticated history of:

a. Alcohol dependence (303).

b. Drug dependence (304).

c. Non-dependent use of drugs characterized by-

(1) The evidence of use of any controlled hallucinogenic, or other intoxicating substance at time of examination (305), when the use cannot be accounted for as the result of a prescription of a physician.

(2) Documented misuse or abuse of any controlled substance (including cannabinoids or anabolic steroids) requiring professional care (305).

(3) The repeated self-procurement and self-administration of any drug or chemical substance, including cannabinoids or anabolic steroids, with such frequency that it appears that the applicant has accepted the use of or reliance on these substances as part of his or her pattern of behavior (305).

d. The use of LSD (305.3) within a 2-year period of the examination (Note: The use of any illegal drug, other than marijuna, regardless of time-frame is permamently disqualifying for the Air Force).

e. Alcohol abuse (305), use of alcoholic beverages that leads to misconduct, unacceptable social behavior, poor work or academic performance, impaired physical or mental health, lack of financial responsibility, or a disrupted personal relationship.

Note: The above are the medical standards only. Each of the services also have additional criteria that fall under their moral standards, and a separate waiver may be required.

Derived from Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 6130.3, Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, and Induction, and DOD Instruction 6130.4, Criteria and Procedure Requirements for Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces.

What do you think? Answer below!