× Members

substance misuse questions please?

  • Sorted125
  • Topic Author
12 years 1 month ago #82271 by Sorted125
substance misuse questions please? was created by Sorted125
Hi I read FAQ but did not get any info relevant to my questions.
I also did a search and read about the way substance misuers on ESA are assessed.
Is it really that punitive?

I don't use to get high. I am not addicted, but I constantly struggle with this problem, i.e. trying not to take substances for as many days as possible.

As I am weaning off tranquliasers and suffering crippling and anxiety and depression as a result, I cannot get out of the house on most days. I also use to stop temper outbursts where I self harm, have done this all my life.
Am going to docs tomorow to see about getting mh services to increase the quetiapine I take for anxiety, as the psych offered when I was still a service user. (discharged late last year)

Also, I am on incap benefit and due my review this may.
Do I need to mention my substance misuse problems on the ESA50?

Will this mean i am automaticaly declared fit for work?

Thank you

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • bro58
12 years 1 month ago #82278 by bro58
Replied by bro58 on topic Re:substance misuse questions please?
Sorted125 wrote:

Hi I read FAQ but did not get any info relevant to my questions.
I also did a search and read about the way substance misuers on ESA are assessed.
Is it really that punitive?

I don't use to get high. I am not addicted, but I constantly struggle with this problem, i.e. trying not to take substances for as many days as possible.

As I am weaning off tranquliasers and suffering crippling and anxiety and depression as a result, I cannot get out of the house on most days. I also use to stop temper outbursts where I self harm, have done this all my life.
Am going to docs tomorow to see about getting mh services to increase the quetiapine I take for anxiety, as the psych offered when I was still a service user. (discharged late last year)

Also, I am on incap benefit and due my review this may.
Do I need to mention my substance misuse problems on the ESA50?

Will this mean i am automaticaly declared fit for work?

Thank you


Hi S125,

Although your IB review date is in May, this does not necessarily mean that you will then start the migration process to ESA, even though this is what was originally stated by the DWP.

It could be any time between now and spring 2014.

However, there is nothing wrong with preparing yourself.

Have a look at the interactive Pdf ESA50 here :

Use Of The Interactive PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

You could even start filling it in, using our ESA Claims Guides here :

ESA Guides

See also :

Qualifying for the WRAG

And :

Qualifying for the Support Group

Please remember that no matter what your medical condition or problem is, it is not the condition or problem in itself that will give you an award of ESA in either the WRAG or Support Group of ESA, although obviously these conditions or problems should be mentioned in the ESA50.

Moreover, it is the limitations caused by the above mentioned, and whether these limitations qualify you for ESA, under the criteria of the ESA Descriptors.

Hope this helps.

bro58

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 1 month ago #82279 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:substance misuse questions please?
Sorted

The following is an extract from the ESA Claim guides in the Members area

If you do think you have a substance abuse or dependency problem it is important that you give details even though you may fear that you will be treated unfairly or suffer prejudice as a result. Failure to do so could be treated very seriously.

In practice, Atos doctors see very many people with substance misuse and dependency problems and they are unlikely to treat you any better or worse than they treat other patients. If you are treated harshly or insensitively, don’t hesitate to make a formal complaint.

The fact that you use substances will not invalidate your claim in any way and may allow you to be covered by the exceptional circumstances rules. For example, it may be considered that because of your substance misuse or dependency, you would be a danger to yourself or other people if you were found capable of work.


Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • paula
12 years 1 month ago #82287 by paula
Replied by paula on topic Re:substance misuse questions please?
Under the questionnaire it covers meds by gp, so would that cover overdoses etc, as I have a hisotry of it,and it is a misue of meds isn't it?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
12 years 1 month ago #82289 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:substance misuse questions please?
paula wrote:

Under the questionnaire it covers meds by gp, so would that cover overdoses etc, as I have a hisotry of it,and it is a misue of meds isn't it?

Substance abuse or dependancy is a discreet problem in its own right, which I don't think would necessarily involve the circumstances you are referring to, however, that said, that does not mean that you should not mention these problems if they are an on-going component of your condition(s) and therefore liable to affect your ability to work or your care and/or mobility needs.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: bro58GordonGaryBISCatherineWendyKellygreekqueenpeterKatherineSuper UserjimmckChris
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.