Originally Posted by
Bergerie1
We had a policy in my company which said, if you - the man/woman with an alcohol problem - seek help, the company will lean over backwards to help. Equally, if a colleague seeks help on your behalf the company will do the same. But if you come on duty over the limit the book will be thrown at you, unless you immediately admit the problem and are willing to accept help. There were a number of success stories - but you tend only to hear about those that are not successful.
When I was active in BALPA (some years ago) there was a discussion about this and in the US unions had negotiated a proper process to allow those with problems to seek help without punishment. It seems like a sensible way to go, otherwise there is pressure for someone to hide their problem.
I know a captain with a major airline who has worked successfully and with the knowledge of his employer that he is a "recovering alcoholic" -who btw has not had a drink in 25 years. Before that he was a closet drinker with all the issues that go with that and a sensible policy like that seems a win win all round.