Tumble

Hi all,

I live in the uk and on Tuesday went and saw my Dr and told her I had been drinking too much. Even though I hadn't had a drink since Sunday night. Things got a bit crazy from then on. She sent me to a alcohol and substance clinic. Whilst there I thought it's not for me. Went back to Dr to tell her and she told me I was no longer allowed to drive and she will report me to dvla.

Phoned her Wednesday and said very confused about what happened. Still told not allowed to drive, had bloods taken today and have to see her again on Monday.

Can she do this...? I wasn't drunk whilst there, never drink and drive and never had any alcohol related accidents.

Any help or advise much appreciated.

Mountainmanbob

Not sure about the UK
but here in the States
for the protection of the public
yes, a doctor can do this.

Just like when old people are losing their ability to drive safely. DMV is notified by their doctor and their drivers license is taken.

Your doctor must think that you are in pretty bad shape ? Might be time to address the issue ?

Mountainman

Tumble

That the thing I not.

It's got up and above 2 bottle the last two weeks because of family beaverment. I went to her office for help. I'm not drinking at mo and haven't since sunday night. Suffer from health anxiety and thought might get withdrawal and wanted help just in case.

Esspee

I've just Googled this and according to this page yes, your doctor can do this.

Medical Revocation of Licence | Caddick Davies

Esspee

You probably need to speak to the Citizens Advice or somebody like that to confirm exactly what it means in your case.

Tumble

But that says persistent alcohol misuse.

I wasn't drinking when went to Dr
I ask for help
Never been convicted of anything to do with alcohol.
Never been to a and e with alcohol issues.

Esspee

That is for the DVLA to assess as she has reported to them. Your GP - who is a medical expert - feels there has been a need to report it.

That's why you need to speak to somebody like Citizens Advice.

Tumble

So why admit to drinking too much and asking for help? if I knew this would off happened I wouldn't of bothered.

Just feel it's unfair.

Mountainmanbob

If we just take what is stated in the above
makes it easier to understand why (possibly) we should not be driving ?

How it usually works
Now you will need to prove to a doctor that you are fit to drive.
Then the doctor will give their stamp of approval.
The doctor at this point will know that they are putting themselves on the line.
They will want to be assured that all is well with you.

good luck
M-Bob

LBrain

It's a very little known fact that a doctor can do this. But yes, they can and in some cases are required to...

Esspee

The doctor is not doing this to punish you. The doctor is doing this to keep you and other road users safe.

How about going back to the addiction clinic the doctor sent you to and try to work with them - thereby proving to the doctor and the DVLA that you are serious about giving up drinking.

Tumble

Still feels unfair.

I've suffered from anxiety for the last year since having cancer scare.
My aunt died unexpectedly from heart attack
Dad suffered terminal cancer, died 2 weeks ago.

I realised not indestructible.. Started worrying about every bump and pain I was getting. Been to Dr numerous times trying to work out what is going on.

Not long term drinking only been a year. Last 2 weeks bad with lost of dad and school half term.

So everyone that goes to Dr and admits drinking are going to have there license revoked? Why would people bother.

Tumble

I haven't had a drink this week.

ScottFromWI

No one is here to judge you or determine if your doctor is correct or incorrect. You have been given information as to how to have the decision reviewed, that should be your next step.

Esspee

I am sorry to hear about your father - I thought I was losing mine earlier this month and it was a terrible time

Mountainmanbob

More than that may be required of you.
Keep doing what you are doing.
And all will work out fine for you.
MM

Tumble

Esspee no not good time. My thoughts are with you.

I know no one here is judging me and I appreciate your comments and time.

But people have drunk for longer and harder then me and they still drive.

I am doing back to misuse centre the week after next but really need to drive before then. Had bloods taken today and have to see my Dr on Monday.

I just don't understand her decision, seems really harsh.

ScottFromWI

Alcoholism is pretty harsh. But again, no one here is going to be able to pass judgment on her decision. She made it based on what she saw, and there is a process for you to appeal that decision.

What's even more important is to focus on your sobriety, as alcohol is what caused this mess in the first place, even if the decision is incorrect by your doctor.

Redemption28

Doesn't sound lawful to me. I would challenge that.

TroubledJoe

Sounds awfully harsh but perhaps your doctor was concerned with how much you told them you were drinking. Also depends on the individual doctor's opinion I guess.

Go through the correct channels and I'm sure you'll be driving again soon. Yes it'll be a pain but all the more reason so stay off the drink for good.