alcohol question

ap19

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Jun 15, 2018
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I am confused about how to answer the alcohol question on the application. The questions seem to be more about alcohol abuse as opposed to alcohol use. I am not dependent on alcohol nor have I ever been drunk or had any "misconduct or unacceptable behavior; to the impairment of work performance, physical or mental health, financial responsibility or personal relationships" because of alcohol. I did, however, have wine legally when I was with my parents at dinner when we went along with my dad on his business trip to Europe, but there was no impairment and certainly no misconduct. I don't drink otherwise. The application asks "Have you ever experimented with, used, or possessed any illegal drug or narcotic?" Alcohol is not listed in the definition as an illegal drug, but the definition also has a list that says "includes but not limited to" which could mean other things like alcohol. Does anyone know if they consider alcohol to be a drug so even one time use requires a "yes" answer? Am I over-thinking this? I would think there would be a more direct question like there is for marijuana use, but there is not.
 
Yes, you are overthinking this. Answer truthfully, according to the instructions given. Don’t try to game the system. Don’t try to shade your answer. Just be honest and move on.
 
That is exactly what I am trying to do -- answer truthfully. I am not trying to game anything. I don't abuse alcohol. The occasion with my parents was in a legal setting, but I don't know if that matters or not. There is no direct question like there is for marijuana -- ie. have you ever had an alcoholic drink. If they consider alcohol to be a drug, then any use -- even one time -- could conceivably fall under that question. I am asking how others have interpreted what is being asked because I want to be honest.
 
They honestly just want to know if you've abused alcohol to the point where you've needed treatment or gotten caught up in some misconduct. Trust me, if they wanted to know the details of individual consumption, they would ask more directly, like they do with marijuana or other substances.

You'll find that even when you are of age, your alcohol consumption really only interests the military/clearance investigators if you're known as a drunk and/or get caught up in some misconduct. Good on you for wanting to be honest, but just answer the questions they ask.
 
They honestly just want to know if you've abused alcohol to the point where you've needed treatment or gotten caught up in some misconduct. Trust me, if they wanted to know the details of individual consumption, they would ask more directly, like they do with marijuana or other substances.

You'll find that even when you are of age, your alcohol consumption really only interests the military/clearance investigators if you're known as a drunk and/or get caught up in some misconduct. Good on you for wanting to be honest, but just answer the questions they ask.
That's what I was thinking, but didn't want to get tripped up later. Trying to err on the right side of things.
 
If you drank alcohol in a legal setting, that makes it legal. Please, please don’t overthink this.
 
It asked about abuse if you never abused substances such as alcohol then put no you answered the question when you asked the forum.
"I have never been drunk or abused alcohol" they are not going to mind if you had a glass of wine with your parent. If you have abused it or done drugs then you would say yes. saying yes now will trip you up.
 
Alcohol is not considered a drug or illicit substance, from a legal perspective.
 
I have taken cough syrup that had codine in it. I don’t think they were talking about either and codine is a narcotic
 
Here is the answer I will give you as an ALO.

The form that you will fill out is AF Form 2030: "USAF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE CERTIFICATE."

Here is what the AF defines as "Alcohol Abuse."

"ALCOHOL ABUSE: NOTE: When not confirmed by medical authority, self-admitted alcohol use that leads to a person's misconduct or unacceptable behavior; to the impairment of work performance, physical or mental health, financial responsibility or personal relationships; must be reported during the medical examination for determination of alcohol abuse. Alcohol use confirmed by competent medical authority that the individual is emotionally, mentally, or physically dependent on alcohol."

Right below that it explains what "Drug Abuse" is:

"DRUG ABUSE: The illegal, wrongful, or improper use of marijuana, any narcotic substance, hallucinogens, or any illegal drug."
***added by me***
Remember, marijuana is an illegal drug per federal law; which trumps state laws that say its legal for recreational use. Also...no state allows minors to use marijuana, even those that have "legalized" it.

Now...re-read what they say. If any of that applies, then your answer is "YES." If they don't apply...don't overthink this.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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