Alcoholism
 

Does anyone think that this career promotes Alcoholism? If so, why and what does a person need to do to prevent going down that road other than the obvious?

I think 121 can be a lonely job. How an individual handles the loneliness varies, but hitting the bottle is one method.

Road life has its own challenges but there is no special reason to think it promotes alcoholism. To the contrary, I would say the job discourages heavy drinking because it disturbs shopping process for alcohol, money is tight for many, and there are heavy risks associated with drinking in the profession. I could see loneliness as possible contributor- but these days with smart phones not a big deal. Decades ago as a truck driver I used to hand write letters to people and drop them in the mail out in the hinterlands of the country, and of course hardly ever got anything back. That was loneliness!

How long have you been an airline pilot?

I don't think it does more than any other career. I've never felt lonely on the road, personally. It requires a lot more responsibility with drinking than other jobs where you don't have strict legality limits and testing.

I know far more abusive/habitual drinkers in other career fields than ours.

Nothing wrong with having some drinks on a long overnight get a little tipsy and have some good laughs with yr crew, makes for some memorable experiences...anything more than that you might need to seek help...

I don't think it promotes alcoholism. As others have alluded to, it is how you deal with your time and your stresses. We are all wired a little different. Pilots, like bankers, and bikers like to meet at the bar. It is part of the social culture but that does not necessarily promote or create alcoholics.

Mostly I agree, while we have some pressures due to time away from home, it's much easier to away with regular boozing in other careers...especially nowdays.

I did observe that on certain overnights with certain crew members the social dynamic was very conducive to binge drinking. But I think awareness is up and drinking on overnights is down. Big difference in just ten years. I'm not sure how much social drinking contributes to alcoholism.

I think I'd be an alcoholic if I could afford it. Otherwise it's just too damn expensive.

When I was in the military, alcohol was accepted and promoted. I've noticed a lot of it carries over, and while not as bad, it's still very prevalent. In the military it was absolutely out of control at times.

some of those memories, IF you can remember them, are pretty damn memorable!
:eek: :D ;)