u/Financial-Nose7462

I posted earlier and this is my last one regarding this.

Has anyone heard of anyone getting past MEPS and the waiver process with an unintentional overdose on cocaine and benzo’s?

Background I’m prior service 4 yrs AD Marines E-5 and have been out for a long time so I’ll have to start fresh at OSUT for 11B but my biggest concern is if I’ll even be allowed back.

My service was active duty honorable RE-A1 code. But the OD had me on VV-ECMO for a week and in the ICU for another.

Genesis will probably show a mention of ketamine and benzos again for a panic attack a few years back but all is resolved.

Been sober almost a year now and I have no legal record.

I just finished EMT and on my way to Paramedic school soon, next Fire Academy.

Do you think showing that things have turned around, I would be accepted into the guard?

Hey Everyone,

I'm a prior service Marine in my early 30's looking to join the NG. My recruiter said my odds are essentially zero but they could try. I had my time in the Marines Rah.. but I would like a 2nd shot at it and where better to ask than reddit.

I've got some older resolved orthopedic stuff but easy to waive. My biggest fear is some of my drug use history. Mind you I have no Legal issues whatsoever as a result of my stupidity (thank god). Its strictly Medical from a serious overdose that happened to me last year.

I was hospitalized, on VV-ECMO, my tox screen showed Cocaine and benzodiazepines. I've also got some old stuff that makes mention of illicit benzo use during a panic attack that I went to the ER for voluntarily which I was told to sip water and get a grip.

I also had another medical event that without going into too much detail the Dr. mentions ketamine use. These instances were all years apart from each other and since the OD I've got my head on straight and have been sober ever since. (9 months so far and counting). From a Medical standpoint none of these instances resulted in any disability and I'm fully recovered now.

I tried SSRI's for a bit after this event but I'm off them now and had an ADHD waiver back in highschool when I joined the Marines that was approved. I'm going to shoot my shot but my question is...

If I wait 1, 2, 3, hell even 5+ years and can show continued sobriety, stability, employment, fitness, etc., do you think there's realistically a chance I could serve one last time? Or did that ship basically sail the moment I OD'd?

I already know I'm looking at multiple waivers. I'm just trying to figure out whether this is “almost impossible right now” or “probably never happening regardless of how much time passes.”

Appreciate any insight, especially from recruiters or anyone who's dealt with complicated prior-service medical waivers.