214-640-4300

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and a good time to evaluate your own alcohol usage. While it is important to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, Flight Attendants must also take care of themselves. 

As a Flight Attendant, you frequently work long hours, have short layovers, and deal with difficult passengers. This puts you under added pressure. It is common for people to use alcohol as a coping mechanism for these stressors, but it is crucial to spot the warning signs of a potential problem. Regularly drinking too much, having difficulty controlling alcohol intake, feeling the need to drink to unwind or cope with stress, and continuing to drink despite adverse effects, are indications of an alcohol problem.

It is critical to seek assistance if you notice any signs of alcohol abuse. The Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) is a great resource offering confidential peer support for Flight Attendants who abuse substances. FADAP can help you find the most effective path to get the required help and will support you throughout the process.

FADAP also offers peer support groups, such as the telephonic Wings of Sobriety meetings, which provide a safe and supportive environment for Flight Attendants to share their struggles and receive support, no matter where they are in the world, and can remain anonymous during the call. In addition, FADAP will help you if you have concerns about someone else’s drinking, such as a flying partner, family member, or friend. We can also answer questions about medications, testing, other addictions, or any other issues you may have. We are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential; we will never disclose who or why someone has called us.

It is crucial to remember that seeking help for possible alcohol abuse is a sign of strength, not weakness. By addressing the issue, Flight Attendants can improve their overall health and well-being and ability to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Flight Attendants can also take steps to reduce their alcohol consumption and practice responsible drinking. This includes setting limits on the amount of alcohol consumed, never drinking after the cut-off time, and choosing non-alcoholic beverages as an alternative.

Alcohol Awareness Month reminds Flight Attendants to pay attention to their behavior surrounding alcohol consumption. Flight Attendants can improve their overall well-being and continue to ensure the safety of their passengers and themselves by recognizing the signs of a potential problem and seeking help. Each of us on the TWU Local 556 FADAP team is in recovery, and we are here to help others find hope. Call us, and we will assist you with finding a path back to health and happiness.

Contact FADAP at (214) 640-4307 or fadap@staging1.twu556.org.

In Unity, 

TWU Local 556 Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP)

The views contained herein do not necessarily represent those of TWU Local 556 or TWU International. The purpose of this email communication is intended only to educate and inform TWU Local 556 Members. It is not intended to officially establish or clarify past practice, Contract language, or grievance/arbitration positions. It is therefore not to be utilized or relied upon by any person or party as evidence of the Union’s position on any past practices, Contract language, grievances/arbitrations, or any other disputes or issues between TWU Local 556 and Southwest Airlines.
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