How will drug use affect my approval chances?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

I'm currently waiting on an ALJ hearing, claiming severe anxiety and depression.

Recently became homeless waiting to be approved as I'm unable to work atm(I've tried/still trying.) Surrounded by the people I am & in my current mental state(a mess) I started heavily using drugs since then. I want to seek medical help immediately to prevent this from becoming a permanent, debilitating problem, but I'm less willing to do so if admitting drug use to a dr will enter my records and hurt my approval chances. I figure SS might see drug use as a self-inflicted issue that in turn caused the anxiety and depression I'm claiming. This completely isn't the case, as these problems have been with me my whole life.

Thank you.

Bryan
Thu, 07/07/2016 - 10:02 Permalink

Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear about that! Please do seek help immediately. The SSA may not consider your drug use in your case as it seems to not be a cause of your condition. However, it may be a good idea to speak with a disability advocate or attorney as they can help maximize your chances of winning a case. If you fill out the form on the left, we can have one reach out to you.

Anna (not verified)
Mon, 07/18/2016 - 00:23 Permalink

It may not affect your decision but if approved, they may decide you need a payee because of your drug past.

Bryan

In reply to by Anna (not verified)

Mon, 07/18/2016 - 09:44 Permalink

Hi Anna,
Thanks for sharing! It is important to know who would be receiving the money for you.

Shannon (not verified)
Tue, 09/13/2016 - 13:52 Permalink

my case was denied at first so now it's at ODAR waiting for an ALJ , I have major depressive disorder Battered woman syndrome, PTSD, Agoraphobia, anxiety disorder , panic disorder, Extreme trauma, panic attacks , insomnia and stress induced insomnia. I can't go out in public it's hard to leave my house I isolate and I am a recluse I can't stand in line I can't be in big crowds and I have a fear of places I cannot get out of. The PTSD causes panic flashbacks and additional trauma extreme Hypervigilance and or a Dissociation state which causes my to panic and the extreme avoidance causes isolation. I guess about how long till I have my hearing and do any of you know if I qualify with my conditions? I've got years, and years of medical documentation I see a psychiatrist and a psychologist three times a month of my psychologist said she is willing to do anything she can to help me even go to court

wanda williams (not verified)
Tue, 11/15/2016 - 14:44 Permalink

I Have many problems..I am biploror, anxiety, panic attacks my big question is .If I have been in and out of jail/prision most my life and been a very heavy drug user most my life, which has caused me many health issues, will this help or hurt my claim to get disability?

Bryan

In reply to by wanda williams (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2016 - 16:23 Permalink

HI Wanda,
If you're not currently on those drugs and are making efforts to treat your conditions, it may not be a factor in your case.

Roxanne Stewart (not verified)
Fri, 03/09/2018 - 01:09 Permalink

My daughter has dyslexia severe asthma hyperventilation at times and a skin condition also a learning disability at school and I applied twice and got denied with these B things that could qualify her??plz lmk

Eric

In reply to by Roxanne Stewart (not verified)

Fri, 03/09/2018 - 14:24 Permalink

Hi Roxanne,

I am so sorry to hear that. I can't say for sure, but the more physical evidence you have of your daughter's conditions, the better her chances will be of winning. Best of luck.

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