A Quiet Struggle We Need to Talk About: AA...Alcohol & Aviation
- Silver Zinuru
- Sep 5, 2024
- 3 min read
Hey friend, let’s get real for a moment. Working in aviation can be tough. Between the long hours, the constant travel, and the never-ending cycle of hotel rooms and time zones, it’s no surprise that sometimes we reach for a drink to unwind. But here’s the thing: while a drink every now and then is normal, the pressures of our job can make it too easy to lean on alcohol a little more than we should.
I’m not here to judge. This is about support—because in aviation, we need each other. The truth is, a lot of flight attendants, pilots, and aviation professionals struggle with alcohol consumption. It’s not something we talk about openly, but it’s more common than you think.
Why We’re All Feeling It
We’ve all been there—finishing a shift after a long, exhausting day and just wanting to relax. You pour a drink, or maybe meet up with the crew at the bar. At first, it’s just a way to decompress. But with the stress we deal with on the regular—especially being away from family, trying to keep up with the demands of the job, and dealing with loneliness—sometimes that one drink turns into a habit.
Statistics show that people in high-stress, high-pressure jobs (yep, that’s us!) are more prone to developing issues with alcohol. It’s a way of coping when you’re dealing with things like fatigue, isolation, or even anxiety about the job. The truth is, many of us are using alcohol to manage the parts of the job that get overwhelming. And guess what? You’re not alone in that struggle.
It’s Okay to Reach Out
If you’ve ever felt like you might be drinking a bit more than you should, or that you’re using alcohol to manage stress, I want you to know something: you’re not alone, and it’s okay to reach out for help. Many of our airlines offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that are confidential and can hook you up with support. Whether it’s talking to a counselor, joining a group, or even finding other ways to handle the stress, these programs exist to help us.
And here’s the thing—getting help doesn’t make you weak; it actually makes you stronger. Recognizing that you might need support and taking steps to get it is a huge deal, and it’s the kind of strength we all need.
Ways to Get Ahead of It
I know this can be a tough topic, so let’s keep it simple. Here are some ways to keep alcohol in check while working in aviation:
Acknowledge how you're feeling: Take a moment to recognize when you're using alcohol to deal with stress or fatigue. It’s a sign that maybe something else needs attention.
Talk it out: Whether it’s with a therapist, a friend, or through a support group like AA, getting those feelings out in the open helps more than you think.
Find other ways to cope: It sounds cliché, but exercise, hobbies, and even just calling up a friend can do wonders when you’re feeling the weight of the job. Find what works for you.
Lean on your people: Staying connected with friends, family, or colleagues can help keep that sense of isolation in check. When we’re feeling disconnected, it’s easier to fall into unhealthy habits.
Know your limits: Set boundaries for how much you drink and stick to them. It can be hard, but it’s important.
We’ve Got Each Other
At the end of the day, aviation is a community. We face some unique challenges, but that also means we understand each other in a way most people don’t. If you or someone you know is struggling, let’s reach out and support each other. There’s no shame in needing help—it’s something we all do at one point or another.
If this sounds like something you’ve been dealing with, maybe now’s the time to take a step. Whether it’s cutting back, getting support, or even just talking to someone, you’ve got options.
We’re in this together, and you deserve to feel good—both on and off the job. Take care of yourself, friend.
Need Help?
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Check with your airline or employer for support programs.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A supportive community that’s always ready to help you through the journey.
SAMHSA Helpline: Free, confidential help 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP.
We’ve all got each other’s backs—always.
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