..Another happy Co-Pilot..
01-31-2019, 05:04 PM
#112
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2017
Posts: 162
Originally Posted by 2StgTurbine
I can never make up my mind on the issue. Since I don't know what it is like to be addicted to something, I can't really judge whether or not alcoholism is a legitimate disease. I can't judge the line between personal judgment and the disease. As a result, I differ to the experts.
But we also work in an industry that is OK with banning some medical problems. If someone is not physically fit to fly, we (as an industry) are fine telling people to find another job. If someone has a drinking problem, they are not fit to fly. On the other hand, if we take this viewpoint to the extreme, then this will only discourage alcoholics from seeking any help.
While HIMS has a great track record of "curing" the disease, it still bothers me that people only seek help after they get a DUI, or after they show up to the airport. I was always told that reporting for duty drunk would disqualify you from the HIMS program.
I would feel better if you could only be accepted into HIMS if you contact them BEFORE breaking the law. Could anyone convince me otherwise?
But we also work in an industry that is OK with banning some medical problems. If someone is not physically fit to fly, we (as an industry) are fine telling people to find another job. If someone has a drinking problem, they are not fit to fly. On the other hand, if we take this viewpoint to the extreme, then this will only discourage alcoholics from seeking any help.
While HIMS has a great track record of "curing" the disease, it still bothers me that people only seek help after they get a DUI, or after they show up to the airport. I was always told that reporting for duty drunk would disqualify you from the HIMS program.
I would feel better if you could only be accepted into HIMS if you contact them BEFORE breaking the law. Could anyone convince me otherwise?
02-01-2019, 03:31 AM
#114
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2018
Posts: 153
Originally Posted by Xjrstreetcar
Assuming you're a healthy adult that has eaten at least twice a day since you were born, try not eating for 72 hours if you want to relate to an addict. "Hunger", headaches, lack of "energy", anxiety, grumpiness, irrationality, unhappiness, and general feelings of illness are some of the symptoms of withdrawal a food addict will experience. Much like entering rehab, the first couple of days will be the most difficult. If one abstains from eating for a day or more regularly, withdrawal will no longer be experienced. The addiction has been conquered.
02-01-2019, 05:35 AM
#115
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Posts: 652
Originally Posted by Xjrstreetcar
Assuming you're a healthy adult that has eaten at least twice a day since you were born, try not eating for 72 hours if you want to relate to an addict. "Hunger", headaches, lack of "energy", anxiety, grumpiness, irrationality, unhappiness, and general feelings of illness are some of the symptoms of withdrawal a food addict will experience. Much like entering rehab, the first couple of days will be the most difficult. If one abstains from eating for a day or more regularly, withdrawal will no longer be experienced. The addiction has been conquered.
But just to use your example, its eat the food and stay out of the cockpit. That way no passengers are killed or endangered,
If aware of anyone with a problem, a true friend would encourage them to find a HIMS program. Help them save their career.
Support each other out there.
02-01-2019, 06:23 AM
#116
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,477
Addiction & dependence. Different aspects of the same hazard. Dependence is loss of choice. When you've created a dependence, you are rewired. And the risk of miscalculating report BAC limits is ever present. Given the post count on this thread after 4 days, looks like an issue many are watching. What a friggin nightmare. If you need to sober up at work, there's always journalism.
02-02-2019, 06:13 AM
#117
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2012
Posts: 770
The guy either drank too much or too late on a layover. He rolled the dice and showed up at the airplane with a BAC too high to fly, but legal to drive in many states (Georgia, for one). It was a random breathalyzer, so I don't think the outcome resulted from his behavior at the airport.
He's got to suffer the consequences of losing his profession or enduring the stigma of needing a program and public embarrassment of his irresponsible behavior (if he's lucky enough to get a second chance). That's on him.
He's not a devil or a victim.
The larger story might be our collective need to virtue signal that his behavior is due to addiction beyond his control or that his behavior is so reckless and reprehensible that he should be locked up with the key thrown away.
He's got to suffer the consequences of losing his profession or enduring the stigma of needing a program and public embarrassment of his irresponsible behavior (if he's lucky enough to get a second chance). That's on him.
He's not a devil or a victim.
The larger story might be our collective need to virtue signal that his behavior is due to addiction beyond his control or that his behavior is so reckless and reprehensible that he should be locked up with the key thrown away.
02-02-2019, 06:18 PM
#118
FlySmarterNotHarder
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: fifi flyer
Posts: 553
Originally Posted by Bert Sampson
I didn't realize Delta had so many doctors and addiction specialists on the payroll!
02-02-2019, 06:21 PM
#119
FlySmarterNotHarder
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: fifi flyer
Posts: 553
Originally Posted by m3113n1a1 View Post
Sad story. Hope this guy gets the help
he needs and is able to return to flying.
Because alcoholism is a treatable disease. You probably fly with pilots in recovery all the time and don’t realize it.
Sad story. Hope this guy gets the help
he needs and is able to return to flying.
Originally Posted by Macjet
Why would you wish this?
02-02-2019, 06:37 PM
#120
FlySmarterNotHarder
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: fifi flyer
Posts: 553
Originally Posted by 2StgTurbine
...
I would feel better if you could only be accepted into HIMS if you contact them BEFORE breaking the law. Could anyone convince me otherwise?
I would feel better if you could only be accepted into HIMS if you contact them BEFORE breaking the law. Could anyone convince me otherwise?
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