Send to a Friend

robmandu's avatar

RitalinĀ® use can prevent someone from getting their pilot's license later in life?

Asked by robmandu (21331points) August 18th, 2008

I overheard a conversation where it was explained that someone who took Ritalin at any point, even just once, during childhood would not be allowed to get their pilot’s license, or even join the military later in life.

A) is that true?
B) if so, what else might that person be precluded from doing? (I’d guess policework, holding some level of public office, etc).
C) what other drugs might have the same restrictions?
D) how enforceable is such a rule? (assuming there’s no master database with the name, SSN, prescription drugs taken, etc. of Ritalin-takers somewhere).

The person further elucidated that the problem with Ritalin and other similar drugs is that they’re permanently mind-altering. So, the restriction is not based on a person being ADHD, but specifically the drug’s known (and unknown) effects on the brain.

Using Fluther

or

Using Email

Separate multiple emails with commas.
We’ll only use these emails for this message.