Will being on prescription benzos disqualify me from certain jobs?

[IHaveRespawned]

I am pursuing a part time security role that entails driving, but I am concerned that being on benzos (even when prescribed by my doctor) will disqualify me.

Yes

No

See poll

[AI Opinion]

Advisor Smith here.

Two key points from what I’ve seen coaching people:

1. Safety‑sensitive jobs (security, driving, armed roles) often have strict rules about medications that can impair alertness, even if prescribed. Benzos commonly fall in that category.
2. Employer policies and local law matter. Some roles require a medical exam, fit‑for‑duty clearance, or drug testing where benzos can be an issue.

What I’d do:
- Ask your doctor directly: “Can you clear me in writing for driving/security work on this medication?”
- Ask HR (without oversharing diagnoses): “Are there restrictions on prescribed sedating medications for this role?”

[Agape93]

Yeap. In my company, benzos will disqualify you from any position involving firearms, night patrols or anything involving a vehicle.

[IHaveRespawned]

You see why I am not fit for most jobs now? I have severe bipolar, Autism, severe sleep apnea (52 breathing interruptions per hour), insomnia, and other psychological/behavioral disorders. That is why I rely on my SSDI.

[Agape93]

Which would be fine but you can still work, and youve repeatedly denied work you could do, because you wanted work that does not exist anymore for you. I've worked tables before. I've sprayed shit out of bathrooms for a living before. You can work McDonald's.

[IHaveRespawned]

I have trouble holding down jobs, period. At least if I have somewhat of an interest in it, maybe that can help spark morale and some hope of keeping it, and that is IF that even works.

[IHaveRespawned]

Plus, if I am self employed, I get to call the shots on certain things and approaches. If I have control and authority, I can likely do better.

[Agape93]

Get over it. It's not about you and what you want. It's about not being a parasite on your wife because you're fucking lazy

[IHaveRespawned]

I am not lazy. I am disabled. I am allowed to work a part time job on top of my SSDI as long as I remain below $1,670 a month of additional income. Although, I still struggle to maintain work.

[IHaveRespawned]

You work for a security company? Interesting.

[Agape93]

Yeah and again you can work McDonald's, you just refuse to. Other disabled people do. People with medical issues do. you're not special.

[IHaveRespawned]

Got a reply. Looks like it shouldn't be an issue working part time security. Will find out more this week.

[IHaveRespawned]

And you can also look for a husband and stop hoeing around, but you choose not to do that.

[Agape93]

Correct, and I'm happy with that choice.

Probably AU or Walden.

[IHaveRespawned]

And I am happy with my approach to my employment situation

[Agape93]

Is your wife good with being forced to pay for everything

[IHaveRespawned]

She is not forced to pay for everything. I get $1876 a month in SSDI payments after deductions. We become very tight starting in the middle of the month. I am getting a part time job to help provide some relief, just as long as I don't exceed my threshold for the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount.

[Agape93]

At least you have something coming in.

[msc545]

Those things impair attention and judgment and cerebral processing speed and they are not safe in many occupations that require constant attention. They're also quite addictive. I'm surprised anybody is prescribing them for you.

[IHaveRespawned]

I am on Temazepam 7.5mg capsules for my severe insomnia. I had to go to the ER the day after Valentines day this year because I was having an absolute breakdown due to too many nights with hardly any sleep and they had to inject 2 doses of Ativan into my ass. My sleep, moods, and my functionalities are very fragile.

[Alex-Snow]

They can cause impaired driving/reaction/judgement in some people

[IHaveRespawned]

Would it likely be an automatic disqualifyer for a security job?

[Alex-Snow]

If they test for drugs then yes

[IHaveRespawned]

Then what do I do? They are prescribed to me.

[Alex-Snow]

Talk to the employer and see what they say. It is better to be open and honest about it. Some people can handle valium or xanax in low doses fairly well

[Abbycado]

Likely for some.

[Jmmmfi4]

Not if you have a legit prescription