Overcoming Substance-Abuse Disorder to Keep Flying

Alcoholism and substance dependency affect large segments of the population. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges that one in six Americans reports experiencing a substance-abuse disorder. Likewise, the Canadian Mental Health Association observes that more than 20 percent of Canadians will be affected by some form of chemical addiction during their lifetimes.

Symptoms of substance-abuse disorder include:

• high tolerance for the particular substance;
• increased quantities of consumption and/or frequency of use;
• use at inappropriate times of the day and/or hiding use;
• avoiding contact with loved ones and other indications of withdrawal;
• feelings of lethargy, depression, and other emotional concerns; and
• legal or professional problems such as an arrest or the loss of a job.

The good news is that these conditions don’t need to be career-ending, like they once were. Industry regulators recognize there are safe and effective means to render recovery and have established pathways allowing those who meet the necessary protocols to return to the airline flight deck.

“It’s important to understand that alcoholism and substance dependency aren’t moral failings; they’re medical conditions,” said Capt. Craig Ohmsieder (Spirit), ALPA’s HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) chair. Habitual activities such as gambling may sometimes be referred to as addictions, but substance-abuse disorders are physical ailments that disrupt the chemistry in the brain and change behavior. Similar to the effects of heart disease, they can lead to a decreased quality of life and increased risk of premature death. However, in many cases, they can also be treated to prevent further damage.

HIMS is an occupational substance-abuse treatment program dedicated to helping pilots continue flying for their airlines under the FAA’s special-issuance regulations (14 CFR 67.401). Applying a team approach, HIMS engages airline managers, labor, health-care professionals, and the FAA who work together to preserve airline jobs, all while ensuring aviation safety is maintained.

As part of ALPA’s Air Safety Organization Pilot Assistance Group, HIMS is a network of pilot peer volunteers who offer advice about the processes and resources available to begin the road to recovery. The Aviation Medicine Advisory Service, ALPA’s Aeromedical Office, is another important means of support for pilots, helping them navigate the FAA’s related rules and regulations.

The recovery process begins with the acknowledgement that a problem may exist. Affected pilots are directed to substance-abuse professionals for diagnostic evaluations. If necessary, referrals for treatment are initiated.

Treatment applies principles developed in both clinical and industrial settings with specific considerations for operational safety. With the successful completion of the program, HIMS-trained FAA aviation medical examiners act as sponsors for the individuals, coordinating the steps for recertification.

Pilots participate in peer and company monitoring to help prevent relapse. Participation in HIMS requires total abstinence to hold a special-issuance medical certificate. Psychiatric and neuropsychological testing is required in the initial phases of the certification process while no-notice alcohol and drug tests are used to monitor abstinence for several years after certification. In addition, pilots in the program need to remember that the process takes time.

ALPA’s HIMS Group conducts a Basic Education Seminar each year, bringing policy makers, practitioners, and pilots together to discuss best practices as well as the latest science on addiction and treatment. The seminar also features testimonials regarding the effectiveness of the program and information about support groups like Birds of a Feather, International.

“Many of our volunteers are individuals who have successfully completed the program and want to help others because we understand the challenges they face,” noted Ohmsieder. “We appreciate the courage and fortitude required to step forward and ask for help or admit that there’s a problem. While some of our actions under the influence may cause us shame, substance dependency is a disease and nothing to be ashamed of.”

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of Air Line Pilot.