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  1. #1
    Bobtail Member
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    Question from a recovering addict...

    Hello All,
    Long time reader, first time poster. I have been dreaming about driving truck since I was a young lad, but some poor choices to this point in my life have restricted my ability to do it. First, I am proud to say, for the first time in 13 years, I am 30 days clean and sober. Second, I have NO criminal history from my past drug use and a clean driving record. I am an addict, but I wasn't stupid. The main reason that I got clean is the goal of becoming a OTR truck driver and I knew there was zero chance of me ever driving unless I turned my life around and got clean. Every day is a struggle, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Now I realize that there is going to be a waiting period before I am going to be able to pass a DOT physical and UA (MJ was my main drug, dabbled in others, but always turned to pot), but how long should I wait before I start perusing this career in earnest? I have started to study the CDL drivers manual for my state and have been reading these boards for a 3 month period or so, but I am anxious to get started. Any and all advice is appreciated!
    Thanks,
    turn1animal

  2. #2
    Medium Load Member
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    Congrats on being sober. From my understanding I think MJ stays in your urine for 30 days. However, some companies do hair test and I'm not sure how long it stays in your hair. I would encourage you to stay sober and go ahead get the dot physical and test done before looking to companies. Good luck at whatever you decide.

  3. #3
    Light Load Member
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    The curse of MJ is that it stays in your system far longer than drugs that are actually bad for you. Get a home test kit and check yourself a couple of times before taking any official test. Then, don't smoke any more because you will get caught. The cokeheads and drunks can snort and drink to their heart's content on their home time and come up clean, but take a toke and you're toast. It's neither fair nor sensible, it's just politics and the hard rule of trucking in these times. Good luck and keep up the discipline.

  4. #4
    Bobtail Member
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    Thank you for your advice. I am thinking because of my heavy usage, I should give it double the time that it normally takes for the MJ to clear the system, just so that I do not come up dirty and kill any chance I have of working in the industry.

  5. #5
    Road Train Member Moosetek13's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by turn1animal View Post
    Thank you for your advice. I am thinking because of my heavy usage, I should give it double the time that it normally takes for the MJ to clear the system, just so that I do not come up dirty and kill any chance I have of working in the industry.
    That would be wise.

    Not because it would take longer to clear from your system. It wouldn't.
    But because, it might take longer for you to become less dependent on it.

    It's not really that hard to do without for 30 days.
    60 days is more difficult.
    And it's down hill from there.

    What is even more difficult is to stay clean once the stress starts to kick in.

    This job can stress you at every turn.
    Figuratively and literally.

    Bluerider said it best - test yourself before being tested.
    And then, give it a couple more weeks just to be sure.

  6. #6
    Crusty Ancient Kittyfoot's Avatar
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    1. Congratulations on being sober. It's rough staying clean in today's world but I honestly think you can do it. Here's why.... unlike too many others that come here you recognize that you're an addict. You didn't come in asking "how do I fool the DOT test" or ranting how unfair it is to outlaw pot. You're going to run into these morons everywhere you go and they'll tempt the heck out of you. Do NOT listen to the "It's my business only" or "it's not as bad as..." or worst of all "I drive better when I'm stoned".

    Follow your dream and create a new world for yourself. You will never regret it.

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  8. #7
    x#1
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    get out and sweat,do physical stuff.my schedule allows me to ride/race my dirt bikes when home,generally every weekend so i am an active,older driver.regardless, pot stays in your system for a long while and each individual is different as each has different metabolism.drink plenty of water,stay away from cokes,beer,etc.I am suggesting doing some sport/activity that keeps your mind off of drugs.hell you'll get in better shape while enjoying new activities.WIN/WIN.

    my point is that you need to get your mind away from whatever things you did while high and start a new,high on life regime.get out.stay the hell away from those that can get you back on pot.friends won't entice you,they'll encourage you to stay clean.Moose is correct-60 days will be the toughest battle. get in a truck driving school,heck they may test i don't know,look into it.just stay away from those that can be a negative influence on you and hang by yourself and/or those that are positive.you can do it and knowing that you MUST be clean to get out here should,and hopefully will,keep you on the straight and narrow.

    best of luck

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  10. #8
    Bobtail Member
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    5+ yrs in NA...my friend and 4+ yrs as a driver and ill tell ya...life is good without it...While waiting for your clean urine...lol...do your research as to what companies you may want to go with ,,,what you want out of a company..and if they have rider policies or not..the more you stay focused on the industry the less you focus on using....if you ever need help check out www.na.org GOOD LUCK..

  11. #9
    Road Train Member chompi's Avatar
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    Congrats on your choice to stand up and be a man! 30 days is really excellent man! Keep it up!

    I would make your goal to be a year. Stay clean and sober for a year and then go about your driving career. You are going to have your ups and downs and maybe even some relapses but if you can go a year clean then your urges and cravings should be pretty well subsided. Also it is a good goal that gives you some time to really dig down deep and make sure you can do this.

    Make sure to use every outlet possible to help you get through this. There are many programs and groups and also individual that will help you at no cost. Don't try to do it alone. There will be times that a friend or someone supportive can get you through a tough time. Stress is going to be your worst enemy and the first thing you are going to want to do is relapse. Have a plan in place so that you can go there if this happens.

    After a year has gone by and you make the leap back into driving, I personally believe that being over the road will actually help you further in your sobriety. Not only will it get you away from the bad choices and make it less available but you will have something else on your plate and something to keep your full focus on. With the random tests and DOT this should also help you continue on.

    Good luck man...

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    crb

  13. #10
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    30 days clean and you think you're ready for trucking. tisk

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