Airline Pilots

Although on-the-job abuse is typically low when it comes to airline pilots, studies have shown that an increasing number of pilots are using alcohol, legal/illegal drugs, and over-the-counter drugs while flying. The profession is highly demanding and substance use is one way some pilots are coping with the stresses and dynamics of a career in aeronautics. Large numbers of pilots have not been proven to be abusers, but because of the ramifications of human error are so large, even one impaired pilot is a tremendous issue. 

The stress of this profession can cause airline workers to experience psychological and physical effects such as depression, anxiety, low morale, and lack of sleep. At Parkdale, we will work with you to manage the stressors of your specific position. We have a HIMS trained physician on staff that can work with you and your employer as needed, to achieve the necessary items to get your sobriety on track and you back in your career.

Parkdale Center is aware of the necessity of balancing your career, your personal life, and your sobriety. We offer specialized treatment programs that cater to the specific needs of your profession. 
Parkdale is committed to working with various regulatory, legislative, investigative, monitoring, and treatment organizations to ensure the Aftercare program exceeds expectations. In addition, Parkdale will maintain strict patient confidentiality while adhering to all the HIPAA regulations.

Our Programs adamantly promote public safety while complying with all treatment recommendations from involved parties and the local, state, and federal authorities. This is why you see the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards accreditation seal of approval on our website. We take these standards very seriously.

From 1990-2012, 6677 pilots were killed in crashes:
  • Pilots who tested positive for at least one drug during that period increased from 9.6% to 39%
  • Pilots who tested positive for two drugs increased from 2% to 20%
Over the past 10 years, there has been an upward trend in marijuana use in pilots

(SOURCE: National Transportation Safety Board Office of Public Affairs." NTSB Study on Drug Use in Aviation Shows Upward Trend in Use of Potentially Impairing Medications; First Step in Understanding Drug Use and Accident Risk." NTSB News Release. 9 September 2014.)
It's not just about saving your career; it's about saving your life.

How The Process Works

Each professional will carry the weight of their career, responsibilities, and work/life balance differently. At Parkdale Center, we teach you how to manage the stressors and triggers in your life that have led you down the path of addiction. Your work identity, whether you are a nurse, lawyer, physician, pilot, corporate executive, athlete, laborer or engineer, influences many of life’s outcomes and opportunities. 

Stage 1: Assessments

Commitment-Free Phone Assessment @ 888-883-8433

We pride ourselves on our ability to service a diverse community of professionals who are struggling with substance use, but we also understand the importance of finding the best fit for you or someone you know. We are just a phone call away and are here to answer all of your questions, as well as address your concerns.

  • We help you understand the estimation of length, how much detox may be needed, cost factors, and how to navigate what is next.
  • Inpatient facility may be recommended at this stage if you are extremely dependent. We will help identify and direct those in need.
Comprehensive Assessment

This assessment is designed to ensure that you will receive the appropriate treatment needed to identify and address the triggers of your individual disease. This key assessment time is also what forms the basis of your insurance baselines. Our clinical team will customize the right plan of care.

Comprehensive Assessment Includes:

  • Addiction Assessment
  • Complete History & Physical
  • Psychiatric Assessment
  • Psychological Assessment
  • Medical Assessment
  • Family Assessment
  • Dietary Assessment
  • Spiritual Assessment
  • Detoxification Assessment
Stage 2: Residential/ Partial Hospitalization Program

Parkdale's Residential/ Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an intensive, full-time program that includes access to all of Parkdale’s treatment services. Individuals reside in Parkdale’s beautiful, serene, and historic facility, located near the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan. The length of stay varies by individual.

Learn more about Parkdale's Residential/ Partial Hospitalization Program.

Stage 3: Intensive Outpatient Program

Parkdale will assist you locally or will work with an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in your hometown to create a support system of individuals and outpatient appointments. This assistance will ensure you are ready to prevent the potential for relapse while encouraging lasting support and sobriety.

  • This stage is recommended to ensure that an individual begins to form new healthy habits when returning to everyday life.
  • Onsite group appointments in your community
  • Reintegration/Professional Re-entry to work, as recommended

Learn more about Parkdale's Intensive OutPatient Program
Stage 4: Outpatient/ Aftercare Program

We don’t just want you to meet your potential; we want you to form a relationship with it. The time post-IOP is referred to as “Aftercare”, which for many, leads to new beginnings. Long-term sobriety is attainable, but it doesn’t happen the minute you quit using. It takes the creation and development of a support system. At Parkdale, we are dedicated to helping everyone acquire this support - the professional in recovery, the family, the employer and anyone willing to engage. Parkdale is here for you through the whole stages of recovery.

  • Long-term sponsor engagement
  • Group meetings to create a supportive environment
  • Continued support for families, employers, and colleagues, as desired.
Learn more about Parkdale's Outpatient/ Aftercare Program.
Stage 5: Career Restoration
We, at Parkdale, understand the importance of re-entering your career with renewed confidence. Therefore, our career restoration program is one-of-a-kind and designed to provide you (the highly accountable professional) documented sobriety and compliance, with the goals of continued sobriety and employment. Parkdale is able to do this by helping you enter into a comprehensive return-to-work contract with either your current employer or potentially a new one. This contract can provide peace of mind and accountability for all parties.

If you’re committed to staying clean and sober, but you’re having trouble finding work in your profession, Parkdale will do the best we can to help guide you. You are not alone!

Learn more about Parkdale's Career Restoration Program.

Parkdale Center
If you or someone you work with is struggling
with substance use disorder, reach out today.