VXPDX,
You mentioned "airline" aviation as your goal. If you aren't able to fly airplanes in that arena are you willing to consider being a part of it in some other operational roll ?
There are other operational sides contributing to moving airplanes that require a license but not an FAA medical. Drug testing will be part of any safety-related roll so that would perhaps have to be factored in decision making.
Have you considered this ?