Over reaction by Doctor?

[ryekai]

My partner voluntarily went to the Doctors today concerned to improve her drinking which she feels is too high.

The doctor immediately diagnosed alcohol dependency and decided that the DVLA needed to be informed and this means presumably her licence will be revoked.

The facts are:
She wanted help with consumption.
She has never consumed alcohol and driven a car. Not a drop!
Her drinking is confined to evenings. THree or four times a week.
Her drinking is episodal with days sometimes longer between bouts
She never drinks until she is incapacitated.
There are no convictions, cautions or any other related police matters relating to her drinking or any other traffic offence.
She has never driven the next day if still under the influence.


We live in a very rural place. There is no public transport.
Our business depends on her ability to drive.
It will cease without her being able to travel to clients and networking.
Her Mother is seriously ill and requires frequent visits.

My partner believes thatthew doctor has over reacted whilst recognising that she wants to better manage her drinking.

We have asked for a second appointment today to talk to a senior partner.

 

[SeanJoyceStephensons]

A doctor in that position will have a duty to inform the DVLA if there are any concerns regarding alcohol misuse or dependency. The definition is misuse is more broad than that of dependency and the DVLA often consider that cases like this involve at least an element of misuse. The DVLA guidance in relation to categorising the alcohol intake and then taking action thereafter can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drug-or-alcohol-misuse-or-dependence-assessing-fitness-to-drive

If the GP does report the matter to the DVLA your partner will have an opportunity to complete a questionnaire regarding alcohol intake and a decision will be made thereafter.

At that stage the decision can be challenged if disagreed with. An appointment with senior doctors to ensure full details are provided should at least be helpful in ensuring that the GP is armed with the full extent of the information before corresponding with the DVLA.