I have no choice but to get a CCL somewhere else...

[Joe D.]

I am signed up for a Utah Concealed Carry class this Saturday. I was born in Texas and I have lived here my entire life. But, my own state will not grant me a CCL.

Not because I'm a deadbeat dad, tax cheat, student loan defaulter or wife beater. It's because three years ago, I made the decision to enter a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation facility for my problems with alcohol. No authority figure made me do it -- the choice was entirely mine. I completed the program, and have not so much as touched alcohol since. Unfortunately, that doesn't matter, as five years has not elapsed since my treatment.

So, I will get a Utah CCL. In a couple of years I will try to get one from my home state. Then again, maybe I won't.

[Pawpaw]

Given those circumstances, I don't blame you one little bit.

Now here's hoping that bill to prevent Texas residents from getting an out of state license fails.

[Keith B]

First off welcome to the forum.

Very unfortunate that you are unable to get a Texas license at this time. However, glad you were able to get help for your alcohol problem.

And, the bill would not prevent a Texas resident from getting an out of state license, it would just not be valid in Texas for a Texas resident, or in other states that don't honor a CHL unless it is issued in your state of residence.

[MasterOfNone]

I assume you are disqualified because of:

(e) The following constitutes evidence that a person has a psychiatric disorder or condition described by Subsection (d)(1):
(3) inpatient or residential substance abuse treatment in the preceding five-year period;

Did you look into GC 411.173(f)?

(f) Notwithstanding Subsection (d), a person who has previously been diagnosed as suffering from a psychiatric disorder or condition described by Subsection (d) or listed in Subsection (e) is not because of that disorder or condition incapable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun if the person
provides the department with a certificate from a licensed physician whose primary practice is in the field of psychiatry stating that the psychiatric disorder or condition is in remission and is not reasonably likely to develop at a future time.

[WildBill]

Joe D - Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, I can't solve your problem, but I will post some of my thoughts.

The title of your post is "I have no choice but to get a CCL somewhere else..." First of all you do have a choice. You can wait the required time and get a Texas CHL or you can decide not to get a CCL from another state.

I believe that many of the laws and policies regarding substance abuse actually results in more impaired individuals working, driving, flying, practicing medicine and carrying handguns. This is my rational.

Most experts agree that the first step towards recovery is that you "admit that you have a problem." When a person admits that they have a problem they run the risk of being ostracized by friends employers and losing their livelihood. So right off the bat "admitting you have a problem" is held against you. If a person admits they have a substance abuse problem their actions are automatically viewed with suspicion.

If the act of admitting to a problem and getting treatment results in losing friends, your license or your job then many people will go out of their way to hide their problems rather than trying to get help. Then, if a person does get treatment, legally he must reveal that information when applying for certain positions or licenses.

So, all in all, I think that most people think that they are better off by not admitting that they have a problem and not getting the treatment that they should.

[terryg]

Welcome Joe! Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on cleaning things up on your own. It's a shame that those actions, undoubtedly for the better, are impacting you in this way now.

[RoyGBiv]

JoeD.. I think most folks here would applaud you for recognizing you needed help and getting it (I certainly do). I know it's not going to fix your problem, but, you certainly did the right thing.

Per Masters post above, have you actually spoken with DPS about this or are you going on your own reading of the code? Looks like you might have an out if your Doc will sign off on it...

Good luck.. I hope it works out favorably.

[Tamie]

Congratulations on getting help for your problems with alcohol. Congratulations also on your decision to get a Utah CFP.

[RiverCity.45]

As a mental health professional, I suspect you would be hard-pressed to find a psychiatrist willing to say to a medical certainty that you will not ever relapse. Substance abuse relapse rates are so high, it would be foolish (professionally) for a psychiatrist to make that assertion.

I suspect you'll beat the odds in terms of relapse, though. Congratulations on your continuing sobriety!

[shootthesheet]

Given those circumstances, I don't blame you one little bit.

Now here's hoping that bill to prevent Texas residents from getting an out of state license fails.

HB 356 http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLook ... Bill=HB356" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[cbunt1]

Substance abuse relapse rates are so high, it would be foolish (professionally) for a psychiatrist to make that assertion.

At the risk of "picking at nits" and sounding like a cynic...

Could it be that relapse rates are so high due to the percentage of rehab patients who are forced into rehab through court actions, etc. as opposed to seeking help on their own accord?

Beating addiction requires change. There will be no change unless the addict WANTS to change. Granted, even then, not always, but I think the odds are much higher for someone who WANTS to beat the addiction, rather than "just going through the motions to stay out of jail."

Congratulations on your sobriety. I hope things work out well for you.

[C-dub]

Welcome to the forum and a big congratulations for taking your life into your own hands and getting help when you needed it.

If I were in your shoes I might go ahead with the Utah license, but I certainly would also get the Texas license as soon as I were eligible.