RobotConquest
Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2011
- Messages
- 4
I'm looking into purchasing a handgun and I am a little confused about
question 11e of the BATFE form 4473. I have been clean & sober for 4+
years now thanks to the 12 step system (for the first 6 months), a
strong will, and :uts on flame suit:: methadone maintenance
treatment (MMT). I understand that MMT is typically given a bad
reputation due to the high prevalence of patients who continue to use
drugs without even ATTEMPTING to overcome their addiction, instead
having methadone as another drug of abuse. I understand the bad rap
the program gets- although I don't use any illegal drugs, alcohol, nor
abuse my prescription, there are TONS who do. My wife & I feel like we
are two of the four people who aren't just gaming/abusing the
methadone program. It pisses both of us off also, especially because
of the negative assumptions about our lifestyle and character that
arise from their behavior. Sorry for the off topic rant- they just
infuriate me.
My concern is that question 11e of form 4473 asks "Are you an
unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, or any depressant,
stimulant, or narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance."
Neither of us uses any substances illegally, we refuse prescriptions
to other controlled substances, never even drink, so the illegal
clause is no problem. The addiction clause, however, could be; in
medical terminology, we aren't addicted to methadone as we take it as
prescribed, don't crave it, don't attempt to satisfy the non-existent
cravings, and contrary to some beliefs, we don't experience any
intoxication (or feel anything) from taking it (as our doses are
properly calibrated). However, if we don't take our medication, we
would experience some discomfort. Given these facts, medically
speaking, we're dependent upon the proper dose of our medication, not
addicted to it. However, given the particularly bad public opinion
(and due to most of the MMT patients, I understand why it's there) of
mmt, I'm concerned that my answer of "no" to question 11e might be
considered as bogus were it ever reviewed (even though it likely won't
be, we want to make sure that everything is in accordance with the
law). Although my medical records aren't public knowledge, and
although our records are completely clean, we want to ensure that our
purchases are completely above board. We love shooting, have wanted
guns for years now, but have held off because we wanted to make sure
we were making an informed, educated decision on what models to
choose, as well as ensuring that we were 100% confident & stable in
our sobriety (just shy of 5 years now). In my mind, as I'm no longer
illegally using nor addicted to any controlled substances, I shouldn't
have any problems. However- I don't know if there are any legal
precedents to the contrary. What are your thoughts? Does anyone have
any experience in this area?
Thank you for your input.
question 11e of the BATFE form 4473. I have been clean & sober for 4+
years now thanks to the 12 step system (for the first 6 months), a
strong will, and :uts on flame suit:: methadone maintenance
treatment (MMT). I understand that MMT is typically given a bad
reputation due to the high prevalence of patients who continue to use
drugs without even ATTEMPTING to overcome their addiction, instead
having methadone as another drug of abuse. I understand the bad rap
the program gets- although I don't use any illegal drugs, alcohol, nor
abuse my prescription, there are TONS who do. My wife & I feel like we
are two of the four people who aren't just gaming/abusing the
methadone program. It pisses both of us off also, especially because
of the negative assumptions about our lifestyle and character that
arise from their behavior. Sorry for the off topic rant- they just
infuriate me.
My concern is that question 11e of form 4473 asks "Are you an
unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, or any depressant,
stimulant, or narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance."
Neither of us uses any substances illegally, we refuse prescriptions
to other controlled substances, never even drink, so the illegal
clause is no problem. The addiction clause, however, could be; in
medical terminology, we aren't addicted to methadone as we take it as
prescribed, don't crave it, don't attempt to satisfy the non-existent
cravings, and contrary to some beliefs, we don't experience any
intoxication (or feel anything) from taking it (as our doses are
properly calibrated). However, if we don't take our medication, we
would experience some discomfort. Given these facts, medically
speaking, we're dependent upon the proper dose of our medication, not
addicted to it. However, given the particularly bad public opinion
(and due to most of the MMT patients, I understand why it's there) of
mmt, I'm concerned that my answer of "no" to question 11e might be
considered as bogus were it ever reviewed (even though it likely won't
be, we want to make sure that everything is in accordance with the
law). Although my medical records aren't public knowledge, and
although our records are completely clean, we want to ensure that our
purchases are completely above board. We love shooting, have wanted
guns for years now, but have held off because we wanted to make sure
we were making an informed, educated decision on what models to
choose, as well as ensuring that we were 100% confident & stable in
our sobriety (just shy of 5 years now). In my mind, as I'm no longer
illegally using nor addicted to any controlled substances, I shouldn't
have any problems. However- I don't know if there are any legal
precedents to the contrary. What are your thoughts? Does anyone have
any experience in this area?
Thank you for your input.