{"id":36723,"date":"2021-05-06T12:18:51","date_gmt":"2021-05-06T20:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/?p=36723"},"modified":"2024-04-01T13:32:11","modified_gmt":"2024-04-01T20:32:11","slug":"pilots-and-drug-and-alcohol-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/addiction\/pilots-and-drug-and-alcohol-abuse","title":{"rendered":"Pilots And Drug And Alcohol Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The aviation industry is a highly sensitive sector as it facilitates travel for millions of people in a day. Drug and alcohol abuse by the aviation crew or controlled substances before a flight can jeopardize many lives. Sadly, there have been cases of substance abuse among pilots, which has led to some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ntsb.gov\/safety\/safety-studies\/Documents\/SS1401.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">fatalities<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we will cover pilots and drug and alcohol abuse, why pilots turn develop these problems and how they can get help for substance abuse and addiction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Pilots And Drug Abuse<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published a study in 2014 on the trends of drug use in the aviation industry. This study analyzed over 23 years of data and only focused n drugs and not alcohol. The drugs in the study include illicit drugs, over-the-counter medication, and prescription medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toxicology results in the study uncovered that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There was an increase in the use of drugs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diphenhydramine, an OTC antihistamine, was the most abused drug.\u00a0 It is an active ingredient in sleep and cold medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There was an increase in the number of positive tests of THC among pilots for over ten years before the study. THC is the active ingredient in marijuana.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilots without a medical certificate were more likely to use controlled substances.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There was an increase in the number of pilots who tested positive for at least one drug.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><b>Pilots and Alcohol Abuse<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Federal Aviation Administration carries out Alcohol toxicology tests on pilots over the years. Annual reports from the institution show that there are only a few cases of alcohol abuse and addiction. However, even a single case of alcohol abuse before flying is one too many. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/scholar.smu.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=4065&amp;context=jalc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FAA records show <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of pilots who test positive for alcohol abuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">64 pilots received citations for drug and alcohol abuse between 2010 and 2015. At least One Pilots test over the legal alcohol limit every month.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2015 1546 aviation professionals and abused an illicit drug.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Why Do Pilots Abuse Drugs?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilots are still prone to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4008086\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">general family, social, and individual reasons for substance abuse.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> However, they still have unique factors that could lead them to substance abuse. Occupational stresses are a major contribution to drug and alcohol abuse by pilots.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people assume that stresses you only part of the job, but it can cause chronic conditions. Moreover, workers should report stress because the stress factors could affect others across the industry. Some of the stressful factors for pilots include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geographical stresses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilots have an intense job with hectic work, high pressure, and a need for extreme focus. They need to focus for extended periods, which can cause short-term or long-term burnout.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilots have a huge responsibility for transporting people safely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Airport lounges with <a href=\"https:\/\/wineemotionusa.com\/wine-dispensers\">wine dispensing<\/a> systems providing easy access to alcohol.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average person may find a pilot\u2019s schedule dizzying. Pilots travel across different time zones frequently. Some may end up losing sleep or working more than five days a week.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other colleagues in the aviation industry may also be prone to stress. Occupational stresses may also affect pilots. For example, strikes by other personnel could get a pilot stranded in a foreign airport.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilots are prone to the physical and psychological effects of stress. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low morale<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Isolation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feelings of powerlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug or alcohol abuse as a coping mechanisms<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substance abuse and other effects of stresses in pilots could lead to more severe effects, which include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addiction to drugs and alcohol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clinical depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damaged relationships with loved ones<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Burnouts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidal ideas or behavior<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><b>Substance Abuse In Aviation and Addiction Treatment for Pilots<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilots need to get treatment for substance abuse treatment to avoid on-the-job and off-the-job effects. It is also important to understand that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/addiction-disease-or-choice\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">addiction is a chronic disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that affects your brain\u2019s reward and decision-making system. Addiction compels you to abuse substances despite the negative effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone can suffer from addiction. Therefore, you should seek to get a loved one help rather than give judgment. Pilots struggling with addiction can get a lot of stigmas because the aviation industry is a high profile industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients have unique needs for substance abuse treatment and addiction. Pilots usually have privacy needs of treatment due to the sensitive nature of their industry and careers. They will get the normal routine programs, including detox, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and ongoing treatment or aftercare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, most pilots enroll in the executive or luxury forms of addiction treatment programs. It means that they have high levels of privacy and luxury services. A good example of luxury services is luxury intensive outpatient addiction treatment at the comfort of your home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should expect the following from the core addiction treatment programs:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Detoxification Programs for Pilots<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Detox helps pilots to remove alcohol or drugs from their system. You will experience withdrawal symptoms that vary with the drug. Therefore, there is a need for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/how-to-cope-with-drug-detox\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">measures to cope with detox<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Rehab centers may offer <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/which-medications-help-best-with-opioid-withdrawal\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medication to help ease withdrawal symptoms.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some rehab centers offer <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/phases-of-ultra-rapid-detoxification\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ultra-rapid detox <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to help you skip the discomfort of withdrawal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Inpatient Addiction Treatment for Pilots<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/treatment-programs\/partial-hospitalization-program-orange-county\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inpatient addiction treatment <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is a rehab program where you are at the rehab center 24\/7 until treatment ends. You will have a safe space to withdraw and recover from substance abuse. Inpatient programs could be 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days long. Rehab centers provide programs like therapy, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/treatment-programs\/medication-assisted-treatment-program-orange-county-ca\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medication-assisted treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, education, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Flight Crews<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/treatment-programs\/iop-program-orange-county\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intensive outpatient treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a form of rehab where you spend a better part of your day in rehab for treatment. It is as effective as inpatient treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Outpatient Treatment To Work Around Your Flight Schedule<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/treatment-programs\/outpatient-rehab\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outpatient treatment <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is a rehab program that lets individuals attend other duties part-time and spend a few hours in rehab. You have the chance to go to work or school while getting treatment. However, pilots may not be able to go to work, especially if they are under strong withdrawal medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Aftercare &amp; Ongoing Treatment<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aftercare is an ongoing treatment program to help pilots and other patients maintain sobriety. Some forms of aftercare include individual therapy, family therapy, support groups, taking up new hobbies, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment in California<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilots can get drug addiction treatment in California from Coastline Behavioral Health. We offer <a href=\"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/\">personalized care<\/a> to help you meet your treatment and recovery needs for addiction and mental health issues. Call us today at (714)842-2260 to get addiction and mental health treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The aviation industry is a highly sensitive sector as it facilitates travel for millions of people in a day. Drug and alcohol abuse by the aviation crew or controlled substances before a flight can jeopardize many lives. Sadly, there have been cases of substance abuse among pilots, which has led to some fatalities.\u00a0 In this [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38085,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,42,5,9,110,21],"tags":[117,118,119],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36723"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36723"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36723\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38813,"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36723\/revisions\/38813"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36723"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36723"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastlinerehabcenters.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}