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Alcoholism in Aviation
By: Capt. David Moriarty, Posted on: May 29, 2015
Alcoholism and Aviation Image
With the recent crash of a Germanwings Airbus A320 into the French Alps, the subject of mental health amongst pilots has been a hot topic. Whilst depression has been widely discussed, another mental illness that is often associated with depression has hardly been mentioned at all. As with any profession, there are pilots out there who are alcoholics.
Alcoholism, like other forms of addiction, is recognised as a medical disease and is associated with neurological changes in how the brain processes chemical stimulation. Alcohol and drug addiction are not simply a matter of poor willpower or poor self-control. A diagnosis of alcoholism is a permanent one. It is incurable, but it is manageable. In many cases, the diagnosis of alcoholism is a terminal one and there is a significant risk of death if not properly managed.
Unfortunately, professional pilots are used to maintaining a high level of control in their working environments and so the lack of control associated with addictive diseases is often very difficult to deal with. Denial is a very common strategy that is used to deal with the effects of alcoholism and this can be the major barrier to getting professional help in order to manage this disease.
The American Psychiatric Association gives diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence (alcoholism):
Alcohol Abuse – A maladaptive pattern of drinking, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least one of the following occurring within a 12-month period:
Recurrent use of alcohol resulting in a failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to alcohol use; alcohol-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household)
Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by alcohol use)
Recurrent alcohol-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for alcohol-related disorderly conduct)
Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication).
Alcohol dependence (alcoholism) – A maladaptive pattern of drinking, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
Need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect; or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol
The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol; or drinking (or using a closely related substance) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
Drinking in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
Persistent desire or one or more unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control drinking
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of drinking
A great deal of time spent in activities necessary to obtain, to use, or to recover from the effects of drinking
Continued drinking despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to be caused or exacerbated by drinking.
Most major aviation authorities recognise that alcoholism is a medical disease beyond the control of the individual. The American Federal Aviation Authority have the Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS), a specialised program that identifies and helps alcoholic pilots with the aim of getting them back into the flight deck. It has helped thousands of pilots so far and has saved not only the careers of the people involved, but also their lives.
Since the crash of the Germanwings flight, many of the ideas put forward have been about trying to root out pilots with underlying mental illnesses through frequent testing. The reality is that many of the symptoms associated with mental illnesses such as depression and alcoholism will only come to light if the individual volunteers that information. If we create an atmosphere where pilots who are unwell are afraid that they may lose their jobs if they’re found out, it makes it unlikely that they will come forward and get the help they need. It may be safer, kinder and more effective to set a tone across the industry where pilots feel comfortable to come forward when they feel they need assistance in the knowledge that they’ll be treated effectively and can return to work when they are able. What the media sometimes forget is that pilots are human beings too and humans sometimes need a bit of help from time to time.
About the Author:
Capt David MoriartyCaptain David Moriarty is founder of Zeroharms Solutions, a company that specializes in the science of safety. Dr. Moriarty was a medical doctor prior to becoming an airline captain and Crew Resource Management Instructor. As well as a medical degree, he also holds degrees in Neuroscience (BSc) and Human Factors (MSc), is a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Resilience Engineering Association and also has extensive instructional experienceCapt. You can follow him on Twitter @zeroharmHF
About the Book:
Practical Human Factors for Pilots bridges the divide between human factors research and one of the key industries that this research is meant to benefit—civil aviation. Human factors are now recognized as being at the core of aviation safety and the training syllabus that flight crew trainees have to follow reflects that. This book will help student pilots pass exams in human performance and limitations, successfully undergo multi-crew cooperation training and crew resource management (CRM) training, and prepare them for assessment in non-technical skills during operator and license proficiency checks in the simulator, and during line checks when operating flights.
practical human factors for pilotsEach chapter begins with an explanation of the relevant science behind that particular subject, along with mini-case studies that demonstrate its relevance to commercial flight operations. Of particular focus are practical tools and techniques that students can learn in order to improve their performance as well as “training tips” for the instructor.
You can purchase you very own copy of Practical Human Factors for Pilots on the Elsevier Store. Apply discount code STC215 for up to 30% off the list price and free global shipping.
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