Alcoholism and treatment in airline aviators: one company's results.
Airline transport pilots are at risk for alcoholism, although prevalence statistics are not known. (Alcoholism is used to mean alcohol dependence as defined in DSM-III-R.) Whether their prevalence of alcoholism is consistent with that of the general population's, less, or possibly enhanced by psychological vulnerabilities, is considered. However, the development and implementation of this job-based, peer-oriented alcohol treatment can be an asset to pilot career progression and airline pilot retention. According to a retrospective analysis of identified aviators, 87% of alcoholic pilots of this major airline returned to flight duties after substance abuse treatment. Relapse occurred in 13% of those accepting treatment. Early identification and treatment of the substance-abusing aviator can be enhanced by encouraging teamwork between pilots, union, airline management, flight surgeons, and employee assistance program professionals.
Flynn
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Medical Department, United Airlines, Stapleton Airport, Denver, CO.
Sturges
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Swarsen
R J
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Kohn
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GM
D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D015995:Prevalence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014481:United States