Intervention

Background

Definition

The Process

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Are you concerned about a pilot's use of alcohol or other mind altering substance? This concern could be felt by a fellow pilot, the airman's spouse, child, family member or significant other. Since most of us tolerate a significant amount of unacceptable behavior associated with alcohol or drug use before being willing to face the fact that something needs to be done, the individual generally has developed a significant problem and our feelings of concern are appropriate. The illness is one of denial and although many difficulties may exist (poor job performance, legal or social problems DUI's, fights, anxiety, depression, verbal and or physical abuse of loved ones, etc.), the person denies that they have a problem and tends to blame others for their difficulties.

Many airlines have EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) as well as committees composed of ALPA, Flight Management, EAP, and the Medical Department, who are aware of the effects of substance abuse on the airman and his family as well as on job performance and are happy to become involved in planning an intervention. This process is specifically designed to intervene on the troubled airman with the goal of encouraging him/her to accept treatment. The goal is long term sobriety allowing the pilot to live and work without the use of chemicals.

Over the past 25 years, the airlines, ALPA, and the FAA have saved the careers of thousands of airmen who have gone through this process and returned to the cockpit. Even though not mandated by the FAA, the best long term sobriety occurs when the airman becomes a lifelong member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

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Definition

An intervention is presenting reality (specific information) in a receivable form (with concern). It is an event which interferes with the progression of an often fatal illness.

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The Process

Meaningful persons present specific data with an attitude of concern and offers of help.

Step 1 Assessment
Collect information from concerned others to determine what information is reliable and which individuals can remain objective, appropriate, and emotionally capable.

Step 2 Education
Chemical dependency is a chronic progressive, potentially fatal illness in which the individual sincerely denies reality. The concerned other did not cause, can't control, and can't cure the illness. Symptoms similar to those of the ill airman occur in the family so that they often become emotionally more sick than the user. They often feel that the problem is their fault and feel frustrated that they have not been able to control it. Without meaning to do so, concerned others unintentionally enable the person to continue the illness by becoming co-alcoholic (co-dependent).

Step 3 Preparation
Prepare concerned others with rules and procedures for the intervention. A leader should be chosen who will lay out the ground rules and coordinate the discussion.

Data collection - Family members need to think of specific incidents to include the date, time, what happened, what did they do or say, and how did they feel? The need for a caring, concerned atmosphere should be emphasized.

Step 4 Decide Outcome
Know the objectives of the intervention. Usually the goal is sending the airman to a psychiatrist specializing in chemical dependency for an evaluation. The team should also have a treatment center in mind and check bed availability, insurance, etc.

Step 5 Practice
Do a simulated intervention with all parties involved, so that each individual knows what they are going to say and in what order. Each person is allowed to talk without interruption.

Do's and Don'ts

- Do present data clearly and concisely - Do present your feelings - Do maintain a caring atmosphere

- Don't get into arguments - Don't criticize, judge or blame - Don't discuss a specific diagnosis

Step 6 The Event
A specific therapeutic session in which the chemically dependent person is confronted with information concerning his/her illness. It is designed to motivate the individual to accept professional help. Information is always presented in a caring, supportive manner.

The intervention should not be done if the airman is intoxicated or on his or her "turf." A comfortable site should be provided, often in Flight Operations. An element of surprise is necessary with the individual being told they need to meet with the chief pilot regarding a "made up" operational issue, so that the airman has not had the opportunity to think up excuses or rationalizations for the information presented.

Usually the pilot will be cooperative in such a setting and agree to do what is recommended in order that he/she be allowed to fly again. On occasion they may be uncooperative. The group must discuss how they will counter the pilot's predictable excuses for not accepting the choices offered. In such a case, the leader must have an alternate course which might involve telling them that they will not be allowed to continue flying until they have followed recommendations. Sometimes legal action is threatened by the pilot. The committee must "stick to their guns" and not be overly concerned by angry behavior that the airman may exhibit.

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Web Links

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Reference:

Johnson, Vernon E. "I'll Quit Tomorrow: A Practical Guide to Alcoholism Treatment" - Revised edition (September 1990) Where it all started - A classic in the field